HCPro.com: Case Management Monthly

This newsletter offers case studies, best practices, and how-to analysis to help case managers move patients through the care continuum efficiently and safely.

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June 2008 (Volume 5, Issue 6)	view entire issue

Steps for starting an ED case management program
Having a case management program in the ED can help alleviate capacity issues, ensure CMS compliance, decrease denials, and promote professional collaboration to improve satisfaction and clinical outcomes. Knowing where to begin when implementing a case management program can be a challenge, as is knowing how to maintain one. In the March 27 HCPro audioconference, "Implementing ED Case Management: How to Select Your Process, Combat Challenges, and Get Results," Karen Zander, RN, MS, CMAC, FAAN, principal and co-owner of The Center for Case Management, Inc., in Natick, MA, and Ricki Stajer, RN, MA, CPHQ, administrator of care management at Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital in Whittier, CA, discussed steps to implement a case management program in the ED and how to avoid common obstacles.

Technology helps case managers avoid burnout
With so many case management departments understaffed and underfunded, many case managers around the country are starting to feel the crunch of trying to do their jobs with limited time and resources. Job pressures, such as dealing with many of the more difficult cases in a hospital, makes it easy for case managers to start feeling burned out and tired of the hassles. But the right environment can help case managers avoid feeling that the odds are against them succeeding, and the right situation can lead to more productive, less-stressed case managers.

Case managers can make a difference in improved coding
Although many think a case manager's job includes utilization, resource management, and length-of-stay (LOS) management, case managers can be involved in much more. One area in which case managers are playing a greater role is in ensuring physician documentation. By teaming with the health information management and coding departments, case managers can realize greater involvement in monitoring and ensuring physician documentation through physician education and coaching. This will help ensure that the hospital gets credit for the services rendered, appropriate lengths of stay for patients, and the correct reimbursement, says Debbie Russell, BSN, MBA, CMAC, executive director of patient resource management at Regency Hospital Company in Alpharetta, GA.

Other recently-published articles from Case Management Monthly:

Improve patient satisfaction to enhance discharge planning

Harnessing technology to advance case management

How case management fits into the organization

Mastering Medicare’s Important Message

Starting case managers on the right foot

Eliminate overcrowding in the ED

What role does the case manager play in coordinating and implementing core measures?

Improve patient advocacy by creating a managed care partnership

Taking an interdisciplinary approach to attacking avoidable days

Data collection, analysis lead to positive outcomes

Case managers and documentation specialists: Collaboration for improved documentation and communication

Maximizing your PA program: How one facility uses PAs to create a team approach to patient care

Manage your fear of the RAC

Make advocacy and quality the focus of a comprehensive case management program

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