E-WORD THE HEALTHCARE NEWSLETTER OF RDR ASSOCIATES

RDR/Culver Group has been involved in a number of searches for Case Management Directors. Our resident expert in this area is Vivian Leslie, our Senior Partner based in Albuquerque, NM. Hospitals increasingly have become active in seeking those talented individuals who are able to manage and monitor the Case Management process, especially in the acute care setting. In great demand are individuals who can manage length of stay, deal with denials of care and enhance profits or manage losses all while maintaining the highest quality of care for patients.



*Making The Case For Case Management*

RDR/Culver Group has been involved in a number of searches for Case Management Directors. Our resident expert in this area is Vivian Leslie, our Senior Partner based in Albuquerque, NM. Hospitals increasingly have become active in seeking those talented individuals who are able to manage and monitor the Case Management process, especially in the acute care setting. In great demand are individuals who can manage length of stay, deal with denials of care and enhance profits or manage losses all while maintaining the highest quality of care for patients. According to Vivian, the most common requirements for a Case Management Director are Three or more years of progressive management experience in an acute care setting; A Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree is preferred. However, sometimes an organization will consider a Masters in Social Work (MSW) degree also acceptable. Due to the acute shortage of qualified candidates in this arena individuals with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) are often hired; Case Management Certification (CCM) is preferred but not always required; An in-depth knowledge of utilization management and case management of Medicare, Medicaid and third party payors; A self-directed and highly-motivated individual with the ability to solve problems; A successful track record that can be documented in working collaboratively with medical and administrative staff to achieve goals. Vivian further relates that potential employers often consider belonging to one of the several professional associations associated with case management beneficial. ?One of the leading such associations is the non-profit American Case Management Association (ACMA), which has been in operation for approximately six years and appears to be an excellent organization. It offers many benefits for those involved in Hospital/Health System Case Management. Among other services it provides e-mail networking to help members solve perplexing problems. You can post a question and other members will respond to let you know how they have handled similar problems. ACMA also offers the first Case Management Certification for Hospital and Hospital Systems.? ACMA can be contacted at: www.acmaweb.org Case Management is an area where the shortage of qualified individuals is especially acute in hospitals. If you desire additional information regarding this field and opportunities available please feel free to contact RDR/Culver Group.