Case managers provide value across many healthcare settings and specialties. In particular, their interpersonal and communication skills can prove invaluable in the area of workers’ compensation, according to CMSA Today.
The 2018 OPPS final rule, published in the Federal Register on November 13, has two changes that could affect case managers—the removal of the total knee replacement from the inpatient-only list and cuts to payments for drugs purchased through the 340B drug discount program.
CMS announced November 30 through a final rule and interim final rule that it plans to cancel the Episode Payment Models and Cardiac Rehabilitation Incentive Payment Model, as well as make changes to the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Model.
Mary, an experienced nurse case manager, has worked on her medical unit for five years. She likes her assignment because it is never boring; she services a wide variety of patients with complex medical problems, and she feels satisfyingly challenged by the intricacies of each case. This is why, when the unit’s nurse manager approaches Mary about transferring a patient to another acute care setting with only a few hours’ leeway, Mary believes she can make it happen.
