Complex medical conditions can be very stressful
and confusing. Our Case Management program is designed to help
patients cope with a variety of complex conditions by working
closely with them, their families, and their doctors. Each
patient is assigned a specific nurse to help coordinate care,
help obtain specialized medical equipment, provide information,
or even just listen to their questions and concerns. A participant
in our Case Management program can expect to be treated with
the highest care and respect, and receive quality services
like the following:
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Identification of Preventative Measures - Our
Nurse Case Managers are able to identify preventative measures,
such
as medical equipment, medication, or alternative services,
which can help patients control their condition before
serious complications arise.
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Patient Advocacy - In every
situation, we want patients to receive the treatment they
need. We make a strong effort
to help patients know what questions to ask their doctor, encourage
communication between their care providers, and even
help coordinate care so that patients receive the treatment and medical equipment
they need, when they need it.
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Care Coordination - When
dealing with a complex condition, a patient often will
receive care from a number of
doctors and facilities. The Nurse Case Manager helps coordinate
the care between these care-givers to ensure that the best treatment
is provided.
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Patient Stabilization - If patients
are experiencing serious complications or are hospitalized,
their nurse will
follow their progress closely, and make sure that the most appropriate
care is received. The nurse will also coordinate
alternative treatments such as home health, where the necessary
care is provided in the comfort of the patient's home, while at the
same time saving on costly hospital stays.
-
Medical
Necessity Determinations - Through our review process,
we are able to make certain that expensive procedures
and services are the most appropriate treatment for a patient to receive,
and that there are no better alternatives.
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Preferred
Provider Verification - As a part of the process, we always
confirm that a preferred provider is
being used if possible. Most benefit plans have a preferred provider network
that could help the patient by providing a
discounted rate for services and possibly a higher benefit
rate if used.
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Plan Exclusion Identification - A number of
benefit plans have
exclusions for certain procedures, and as a
part of our review process, we can check on the patient's benefits, and give
notification
prior to a procedure of any potential problems
with coverage.
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New Technology Research - In cases where new or experimental
procedures or technology are requested, we
will research information and determine if it is medically appropriate and covered
under
the benefit plan.
Most participants are referred to Case Management through
the screening process of our Preauthorization and Utilization
Management program, or through their benefit plan. Any patient
that would benefit from Case Management is then contacted by
one of our nurses and asked to participate. Participants with
a number of conditions are monitored in this program, such
as:
What to Do
If you have a patient you believe would benefit from our Case
Management program, call our office at 1-800-862-3338, and
ask to speak to the Case Management department. One of our
friendly staff will then take the necessary information from
you, and determine if Case Management would be appropriate
for your patient. At the time of your call, please have the
following information available to expedite the process:
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Patient's Full Name
-
Member ID Number
-
Subscriber's Full Name
-
Group Name / Name of the Employer
or Union Local that supplies the insurance
-
Group Number
-
Patient Address and Phone Number
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Patient Date of Birth
-
Diagnosis with ICD-9 codes
-
Copy of Insurance Card
-
Chart Notes / Clinical Information
If one of your patients is currently a participant of the
Case Management program, ask to speak to the patient's assigned
Case Manager. Our Nurse Case Managers are familiar with their
patients' conditions, so they are often able to give immediate
authorization for services that may otherwise have to go through
review, and are also able to help you coordinate the patient's
care with other providers, if necessary.