3 Key External Partnerships for Case Management
Promoting partnerships outside the hospital can enhance a case management department’s effectiveness particularly as it relates to coordinating the patient’s care while in the hospital and post-hospital. Let’s briefly explore those three key external partnerships
· Primary care provider or medical home
Since the primary purpose of the medical home is to improve the health of the patient and is typically the entry into the healthcare system, staying connected with this individual or group of providers is essential. This provider usually can provide a holistic view of the patient which is valuable information especially today when everything seems to be moving at light-speed, and it seems like we often don’t have enough information on patients when they arrive at the emergency department. Thus, it is important to make contact during the hospitalization and just prior to the discharge. Also, it is not necessary to speak with the physician. A case manager can speak with the nurse at the office. Sometimes that is a more effective and efficient method to transmit important elements of the patient’s case. The key is to review the patient’s progress and discharge plans to assist them in preventing complications and unnecessary readmissions. I understand that is one of the reasons for the electronic medical, the sharing of medical information among providers. However, rarely will the electronic record offer a deep appreciation for the patient’s hospitalization other than a conversation between two providers.
· Post-acute providers
These providers can range from skilled nursing facilities to acute rehabilitation facilities to home health. The partnerships with these agencies can differ depending upon the need of the community, hospital, and/or patient. Meet frequently with these partners, especially the vendors with the greatest referral volume. One can meet separately with each partner or as a group. A group meeting facilitates continuum care for the system. It will allow and encourage the group to think and problem solves as a system instead of individual entities. The topics at either forum should include updates or news from and about each facility along with its possible impacts; review and problem solving of particular transfer issues or problems experienced between the two entities; celebrations of successful work between the two entities; and any relevant metrics that impact each provider such as readmissions, referral volume, timeliness of acceptance, etc. These partnerships can have a significant impact, positively or negatively, on the patient and case management department as well as the hospital’s revenue.
· Community resources
Community resources are as varied as the communities. Yet, knowing what is available or accessible to your community is helpful. Think about these partnerships strategically, are you looking for a collaborative relationship to implement a change in the community to enhance the (health) services? Or, are you wanting to change a process or initiate a process between the two organizations? Maybe it’s both. A good tactic to learn more about the resources in your community and surrounding communities is a “vendor/agency fair”. Bring in the resources all at one time. Let your team wander around and talk with the individual resources/vendors like a community fair or carnival. It is a fabulous way to educate your teams on these resources. It’s fun. Everyone will look forward to it. Consider inviting neighboring hospitals to attend the fair. Vendors will gladly participate. It’s a good way for them to increase their referral base. While this seems casual, it will actually assist you in determining the “who and what type” of partnerships to pursue.
For more information about developing partnerships, see
Health Research & Educational Trust. (2013, June). The role of small and rural hospitals and care systems in effective population health partnerships. Chicago, IL: Health Research & Educational Trust. Accessed at www.hpoe.org.