Q&A: Considerations for the case manager when performing an assessment

Q: What does a case manager need to consider when screening patients?

A: Case managers and social workers must consider entrance to care to be an access point and must be prepared to screen and assess patients for high-risk medical conditions or social determinants of health.

Performing an assessment at the access point of care involves developing an understanding of the patient’s clinical, psychosocial, and financial needs. Depression screening has now become embedded into initial assessments during the acute episode of care, is part of free screening at all sites, and should be addressed with potential interventions at the point of care.

Assessment is a case management standard. Typically, it serves as the opportunity for the case manager to identify the patient’s immediate needs and to develop a plan that incorporates the patient’s ability to succeed in maintaining health. Because a comprehensive assessment should deliver information to ensure a successful continuum, it should include the following:

• Clinical information: Medical history and current condition(s), specifically those that demonstrate that the patient may be at risk for high medical utilization
• Psychosocial information: The patient’s ability to seek support or become emotionally prepared to manage his or her health in addition to addressing the social determinants of health
• Financial information: Understanding both the patient’s personal resources needed to manage health as well as his or her healthcare benefit

For more information, see Longitudinal Case Management: Designs Across the Continuum of Care.

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