Making The Case For Case Management
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Making the Case for Case Management
Introduction
Case management is a crucial component in healthcare that ensures patients have access to necessary medical, rehabilitation, and support programs. It involves coordination with various professionals and agencies, advocacy for the patient, and arranging needed services when existing programs fall short. Unlike therapy, case management focuses more on acting as a broker-advocate, which is essential for patients who may struggle to navigate available resources independently.
The Role of Case Management
In many places, only those with severe mental illness have insurance-covered case management services. Often, the burden falls on Licensed Professional Counselors or rehabilitation counselors to provide these services, despite challenges in billing.
For example, during initial assessments in Florida, counselors create a list of required referrals. If patients can manage these on their own, the therapist simply monitors progress. However, many patients arrive in crisis, necessitating direct intervention to ensure appointments and transportation are arranged. This proactive approach helps therapists provide essential case management services and fosters an environment where therapy can progress.
Embracing a Comprehensive Approach
Initially, some of my staff were unfamiliar with the biopsychosocial model, which looks beyond mental health diagnoses as isolated issues. Once they understood its merits, they eagerly adopted this holistic approach. Meeting basic needs like food, shelter, and medical care is foundational. For parents, this extends to providing for their children as well.
In solution-focused counseling, we help clients assess their current situation (a "1") and envision their ideal state (a "10"). The goal is to identify small steps to progress, starting from a "2." Emotionally, this involves finding support and hope, often through creating a crisis contact list on an index card, including a 24-hour crisis line.
Addressing Physical Needs
Many patients face untreated dental and medical issues due to lack of insurance. Providing a list of low-cost clinics and referral information is essential. United Way Information and Referral can also offer resources for one-time medical expenses and transportation.
Assisting patients with making medical appointments and arranging transportation is crucial. It's often overwhelming, especially when coordinating Medicaid vans or navigating public transport. Keeping medication vouchers at hand, which can be downloaded from pharmaceutical websites or resources like rxassist.org, is also helpful. This ensures patients receive necessary medications at minimal costs.
Supporting Patients Financially
Patients compliant with prescribed medication, well-rested, and pain-free are more receptive to therapy. Addressing food insecurity is vital as well. For those ineligible for food stamps or in need of budget-friendly options, suggesting economical meal plans?"such as using powdered milk or focusing on cost-effective staples like beans and rice?"can be beneficial.
Maintaining a recipe book with low-cost meals and providing healthy snacks during therapy sessions can make a difference. You might even consider running a food closet stocked with donated nonperishables.
Expanding Support Networks
Beyond basic needs, referrals may include connections to victim advocates, grief counselors, vocational rehabilitation, car rehabilitation programs for those in need, childcare vouchers, and housing resources like HUD. Establishing relationships with local organizations and information centers is invaluable for identifying available assistance.
Conclusion
Ultimately, case management asks: "If I were in this person's shoes, what steps would I need before focusing on healing?" By making informed referrals and establishing necessary linkages, we ensure patients have the foundation they need to thrive and progress in their therapeutic journeys.
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