What is the typical role of a case manager with regard to health care?

"Case management is a collaborative process between the patient, medical team, case manager, and payer,' says Lynn Cuddihy, RN, BSN, Certified Occupational Health Nurse-Specialist, Certified Case Manager, and Certified Disability Management Specialist.   "The case manger's role is to assist with communication between parties, implementation of plans, insure the patient and payer understand the options of medical treatment, and monitor outcomes."

University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics uses a team approach to case management involving the patient and family, physicians, social worker, therapists, the case manager for the payer, and the payer. Each department, such as pediatrics, the transplant unit, cardiology, etc. have their own team approach appropriate to provide quality medical care and optimize outcomes.  

The Work-Related Health Care Services office at UI Hospitals and Clinics acts as a point of contact for the workers compensation community. "My office serves as a liaison and resource to the injured worker, workers compensation payer, employer, and external case manager. We serve a similar role for the medical clinics at UI Hospital and Clinics in dealing with workers compensation.  

"My office is also involved in several health surveillance programs and disability evaluations for fire/police. We also co-sponsor an annual educational conference, Case Management: Care of Work Related Injuries Conference, on case management for worker's compensation topics. This year's conference is on October 20.  

"We deal with providing information, medical records, assist with scheduling, obtain correct worker's compensation payer information, and assist with authorization for appointments, tests, and surgery," she says. "We will try to assist with any concerns regarding worker's compensation for the injured worker from any party involved.  

"My phone number is 319-384-6107 and my email address is lynn-cuddihy@uiowa.edu . I also have an assistant, Valerie Jones, who is available to assist with worker's compensation needs.  

For more information on case management, visit websites: Case Management Society of America or the Iowa chapter.  

KXIC broadcasts are presented in mp3 format. The latest version of Windows Media Player, QuickTime Player, or Real Player is required to play them.

Listen to the radio broadcast