What is a rehabilitation case manager?

A rehabilitation (rehab) case manager is a trained professional who helps to plan, organize, coordinate, keep track of, and evaluate services and resources for a rehab patient. Case managers often don't do direct patient care. But they may work as part of the rehab team (internal case manager). Or they may work for the patient's insurance company (external case manager). A case manager is responsible for making sure of quality and cost-effective healthcare services. They are a patient advocate. Rehab case managers assess the individual's current needs and treatment plan, as well as their learning needs and their psychosocial adjustment and support systems.

Case managers are often rehab nurses or clinical social workers. They work in many settings, such as:

• Hospitals

• Inpatient rehab centers

• Outpatient rehab centers

• Home health settings

• Insurance companies

• Private practice

Case managers may choose to become certified in their specialty.