In case management, who is typically responsible for coordinating the care?

The responsibility for coordinating care in case management typically falls to the registered nurse. This role involves comprehensive oversight of a patient's healthcare plan, including evaluating needs, creating care plans, and ensuring effective communication among all parties involved in the patient's care. Registered nurses possess the clinical knowledge and skills necessary to understand complex medical situations and how different aspects of care can interconnect. They are trained to assess and navigate the healthcare system, making them ideally suited to coordinate among various healthcare providers, patients, and families to achieve optimal health outcomes.

While other healthcare professionals, such as medical assistants, licensed practical nurses, and physicians, play vital roles in patient care, their primary responsibilities differ. Medical assistants primarily handle administrative tasks and basic clinical duties. Licensed practical nurses provide essential nursing care but typically operate under the supervision of RNs or physicians. Physicians focus on diagnosing and treating medical conditions, which is crucial, but they may not be involved in the ongoing coordination of a patient’s overall care. In contrast, the registered nurse's training emphasizes care coordination, making them the key professional in this area within case management.