Q: Beyond the need for laptops and internet connectivity, are there any other technological solutions that can be helpful as case managers work remotely?
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has created challenges for case management departments. They must balance protecting the health of case management staff while maximizing productivity. In this new environment, departments are closely examining the role of the utilization review (UR) case manager.
Q: Patients who leave the hospital against medical advice (AMA) have a much higher 30-day readmission rate than patients with non-AMA discharges. What strategies can case managers use to help patients who may be at risk for leaving AMA?
Patients who leave the hospital against medical advice are more likely than other patients to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days, adding up to a sizable and costly problem, according to a study published June 11 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open.
Q: As case managers, we often deal with patient populations that are afflicted by health disparities. What are some of the best strategies for reducing these disparities?
Irene, an expert medical case manager, is worried about her mother, Sadie, who is 87 years old with severe cardiovascular disease and mild-to-moderate dementia. Sadie lives in an assisted living facility. Clearly, she belongs to the group identified as being the most vulnerable to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
