What is a primary responsibility of a case manager in outpatient services?

What is a primary responsibility of a case manager in outpatient services?

• A. To provide direct medical treatment to patients
• B. To coordinate care and resources for patients
• C. To manage billing and insurance claims
• D. To conduct medical research

Answer: (B)

A core responsibility of a case manager in outpatient services is to coordinate care and resources for patients. This involves assessing patients' needs, developing a care plan, and ensuring that all necessary services are accessible and effectively utilized. The case manager acts as a liaison between patients, healthcare providers, and community resources, facilitating communication and collaboration to optimize patient outcomes. Rather than providing direct medical treatment, which is typically handled by healthcare professionals such as doctors and nurses, the case manager focuses on organizing and managing the overall care process. They also do not handle billing and insurance claims directly—while they may assist patients in navigating these processes, their primary role lies in care coordination. Conducting medical research is also outside the scope of a case manager's responsibilities, as their focus is primarily on patient care and resource management within the outpatient setting.

A core responsibility of a case manager in outpatient services is to coordinate care and resources for patients. This involves assessing patients' needs, developing a care plan, and ensuring that all necessary services are accessible and effectively utilized. The case manager acts as a liaison between patients, healthcare providers, and community resources, facilitating communication and collaboration to optimize patient outcomes.

Rather than providing direct medical treatment, which is typically handled by healthcare professionals such as doctors and nurses, the case manager focuses on organizing and managing the overall care process. They also do not handle billing and insurance claims directly—while they may assist patients in navigating these processes, their primary role lies in care coordination. Conducting medical research is also outside the scope of a case manager's responsibilities, as their focus is primarily on patient care and resource management within the outpatient setting.