What Does a Case Manager Do?

Case managers typically oversee research and help maintain and advocate for their patients' health and wellness. They can act as the link between patients and healthcare or social services providers, making it easier for patients to understand the choices available to them and what can help them maintain their health and wellness.

As a case manager, you might work with a variety of different professionals in the healthcare and social services industries. Your responsibilities and daily tasks will depend on your specific client or employer. 

Meeting With Patients and Their Loved Ones

One of a case manager’s responsibilities is speaking with patients. You will meet with patients to learn about their current health needs and goals. You may also meet with your patients’ family members to gain a better understanding of what each patient needs to obtain the best care possible. Case managers meet with patients regularly to maintain a direct line of communication while also reviewing any new or relevant paperwork relating to their patients’ needs.

Assessing Patient Needs

Another task for case managers is assessing patient needs. Through speaking with your patients and their loved ones, as well as reviewing their medical records, you will identify their conditions and needs. You will also be able to determine what they are currently able to do and what they would prefer regarding their health or care.

Putting Together a Care Plan

Once you have assessed your patient’s needs, you will be able to start working on a care plan for them. As a case manager, you will be responsible for educating your patient about what care options are available to them. You will also need to answer any questions they might have about those options and what to expect. In addition, you will help them determine which care options fit their preferences and goals. Then, you will create a plan that outlines what type of treatment they will receive, what their goals are and how they will work to achieve these goals.

Communicating With Medical Teams and Insurance Companies

Along with speaking with your patients, you will also be responsible for communicating with their medical teams, health insurance companies and other human services. You will need to speak to doctors, nurses and other medical professionals to understand what care options are available for your patient. This will ensure that you are able to clearly explain these options and answer questions. You will also need to be in constant contact with your patient’s insurance company. It will be your responsibility to make sure that the insurance company is aware of the care plan and how the patient is progressing.

Evaluating Patient Progress

Once a care plan is put into place, you will continue to meet with your patient. During your meetings, you will talk to your patient about their treatment and ask about their progress. You will also review paperwork and speak with doctors, nurses and other medical staff to gain a better understanding of how treatment is working for your patient. This will help you determine if your patient is sticking to the plan, if the treatment plan is working and how far along your patient is in achieving their goals.

Helping Patients Take More Control

Part of your job in case management will be to help your patients take better control of their lives and care plans. As you evaluate a patient’s progress, you will be able to recommend changes or advancements as you see fit. You want to help each patient gain the skills needed to take as much control as they can over their own health and wellness.

Are you interested in working in healthcare with a social work degree? If so, then you might be interested in pursuing a career as a case manager. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Sociology will provide you with the skills needed to begin a career in case management. You may be able to work with a health agency, nursing home or community development program. If you are interested in learning more about this program or our College of Humanities and Social Sciences, you can click the Request Information button to get started.