SEARHC - What's New - Case management network improves patient care and access.

Case management network improves patient care and access.

SEARHC has developed an extensive network of case managers over the past few years, which has improved patient care and helped SEARHC contain costs.

The key to the case management network is it provides a team approach to patient-centered care. The case manager — often a registered nurse — gives patients an advocate who helps them navigate the health care system, and the case manager helps patients know when they need to schedule appointments and regular screenings. The case managers work together to improve communication between patients and health care providers.

"They're connecting you to care," said Brenda Sturm, the Juneau Medical Center Clinic Administrator who heads up the SEARHC Case Management Task Force. "Patients don't have to talk to multiple people to figure out what they need, and the system allows the doctors to focus more on high-needs patients."

Currently there are around 20 case managers in the SEARHC system who usually fall within one of four categories — clinical or medical, behavioral health, contract health and social services. Some case managers specialize in chronic disease management, such as diabetes or cardiovascular health (WISEWOMAN). In addition to helping patients gain access to medical care or managing diseases, case managers help them with financial issues or they facilitate referrals to the next level of care.

"Not only is case management improving access to health care, it's providing better outcomes for the patients," Brenda said. "It's contained costs and helps to facilitate physician care."Case management works closely with patient referrals. The referral system is being restructured and hopes to have a toll-free number in the near future. To access the case management system, patients can call Joy Blanchette (966-8442) at Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital, Sara Lang (364-4497) at Juneau Medical Center, or Carrissa Sanchez (966-8868) of contract health to be referred to the appropriate case manager.

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