by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs

FORT HOOD (Now designated Fort Cavazos), Texas–Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center gave special recognition to its case managers for the significant contribution they make to ensure comprehensive, quality health care for all of their patients during National Case Management Week, October 13-19.

To help educate and raise awareness for case management, CRDAMC held a Table Talk Awareness in the hospital atrium. They finished out the week with a special ceremony to recognize case managers throughout post and the great work they do every day.

Case Management is a dynamic and collaborative process in which a professional provider (usually a nurse or social worker) accesses, plans, evaluates, implements, coordinates and monitors all the options and services required to meet a patient’s unique and comprehensive healthcare needs.

Case managers are advocates who help patients with complex medical needs to understand their current health status, what they can do and why certain treatments are important. Just like team coaches do, case managers work out a plan for patients and guide them through all the medical, educational and social aspects during their complex treatment plan.

Not every patient needs a Case Manager so patients who are referred for services is assessed and determined on a case-by-case basis whether or not the meet the criteria. Each clinic/medical home/embedded BH clinic has an assigned Nurse Case Manager.  Patients should contact their primary care manager if interested in being referred for assessment.