What is the primary purpose of a case manager in a community health care setting?

The primary purpose of a case manager in a community health care setting is to coordinate patient care and services. This role involves assessing a patient’s needs, developing care plans, and ensuring that patients receive the appropriate services from various providers. Case managers act as a liaison between patients, their families, and the healthcare system, facilitating communication and collaboration to enhance the overall quality of care.

By coordinating care, case managers help to streamline resources, reduce service fragmentation, and ensure that patients have access to the necessary support, whether that involves medical treatment, community resources, or educational services. Their objective is to promote efficient and effective care, improving patient outcomes and satisfaction while also addressing potential barriers to care.

In contrast, monitoring medication adherence is a component of patient management but does not encompass the broader scope of case management. Conducting clinical assessments is important, but it is typically just one aspect of what a case manager does within their role of coordinating care. Meanwhile, managing hospital budgets relates more to financial management and administrative roles within healthcare organizations, rather than the direct patient-centered focus of case management in community health.