by Many people use terms care coordination and case management as synonyms.
However, the terms are similar to some point, but there are differences as well.
Care coordinators in healthcare facilities take care of the individual patient and track the treatment progress according to the patient’s needs.
These healthcare workers use all available and appropriate resources to provide the best patient care with the lowest cots.
The role of a care coordinator nurse is to identify the needs of the patient and arrange all specialists that can contribute to the recovery.
For example, if a care coordinator nurse takes care of the patient after congestive heart failure, his or her job is to set follow-up cardiology, to arrange telemonitoring, to set up meetings with nutritionists and pharmacists for the proper diet and medication.
Care coordinator nurses with an MSN degree are highly valued in all healthcare settings because they are educated to research and perform an evidence-based practice that will efficiently improve patient outcomes.
On the other hand, case managers are specialized in working with patients with special conditions.
Therefore, there are case management nurses for patients diagnosed with diabetes, asthma, congestive heart failures, etc.
Some severe conditions are highly risky, and patients need continuous follow-up care to prevent any complications.
Diabetes is one of those conditions.
Case managers work with physicians to make sure that patients receive all treatments and individualized care based on their conditions.
For diabetic patients, follow-up care includes a frequent review of blood glucose level, laboratory work, prescribing a proper diet, and assessment of any hypo or hyperglycemia symptoms.
Sometimes, nurse case managers with MSN are allowed to adjust medication, but it depends on the state and defined scope of practice.
Care coordinators and case management nurses’ similarities include working on individualized patient care which will improve outcomes.
Both roles focus on the overall health of the patient while coming up with preventive care and lowering healthcare costs and hospital readmissions.
Care coordinator nurses and case management nurses are highly important in all healthcare settings.
Their scope of practice is strictly defined and helps reduce the burden on other healthcare providers.
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