Making The Case For Case Management

Case Management involves facilitating the access of a patient to appropriate medical, rehabilitation and support programs, and coordination of the delivery of linkages. This role may involve liaison with various professionals and agencies, advocacy on behalf of the patient, and arranging for purchase of linkages where no appropriate programs are available. Case management differs from therapy in that the case manager is something of a broker-advocate. Many patients who need case management services would have difficulty advocating for themselves, knowing what services are available and coordinating those resources. Unfortunately, in many states, only those who have severe mental illness qualify for case management services to be covered by their insurance. The responsibility often lies with the Licensed Professional Counselor or rehabilitation counselor to perform case management services. Billing for these services is often tricky. In Florida, during the initial assessment we create a list of needed referrals. If the patient is capable of following up and making those linkages on his/her own, then the therapist assigned to the case merely follows up with the patient on the...