such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, depression and heart failure. These are conditions where case managers can make a significant difference by motivating patients to improve their health status and thus potentially reduce hospitalizations. When hospitalizations decline, the ability of case managers to help hospitals and health systems gain bonuses and avoid penalties will become that much more important.
Hospital and health system executives are beginning to realize the economic consequences of the PPACA and recognize that if ever there was a time to use the expertise, skills and knowledge of a proven workforce such as case managers to enhance their processes and bottom line, that time is now.