Latest research projects are good news for growing field
Two new studies on care management show encouraging results regarding the effectiveness of case managers in improving patient outcomes and/or reducing costs.The first study, released by elder-care solutions company Seniorlink and reported Oct. 26 in Healthcare Finance News, analyzed the data of nearly 2,000 Seniorlink patients in Massachusetts and Indiana, and compared it the national benchmark Medicare Current Beneficiaries Survey.
The study found patients with complex conditions who were supported by engaged family members and technology-enabled care managers “had significantly lower rates of inpatient hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and falls, resulting in healthcare costs savings,” the magazine said.