ROLL CALL - Case Managers!!!

Kathy in Maryland · Jul 11, 2005

Time for a roll-call for the Case Managers on the board!!
I'm here in Vegas, got my CCM in 1999, Medical & Disability Case manager for PPO network & Utilization Management company.

I live in Maryland and have been a case manager for l5 years. CCM since around l996 and CDMSC around l994. I have been working as a contract nurse for The Department of Labor but our work has really dried up. I am interested in the new case management programs through medicare and medicaid. Have you heard anything?

Kathy in Maryland · Jul 11, 2005

:Melody: My first time here. I'm an independent CM in Southern California. I do a combination of field and telephonic for my contract insurers. My opinion: the only way to fly, but you have to have the stamina to hang in.

I am an independent in Maryland. I am short of work right now and an interested in the new programs by medicare and medicaid for case management. Have your heard anything?

Kateswedlund · Jul 14, 2005

Welcome all!!

Hi! I have nearly 8 years of experience in ED with a year or so in home health and hospice case management. I'm getting my BSN now and also taking an online case managment course. I also have a background with health insurance. My husband and I want to move back to Vegas in Jan. What do you think are my chances of getting a hospital case management job? Kate

grannynurse FNP student · Jul 14, 2005

I worked as a senior case manager for a private company, in SW Florida, for almost ten years. My responsibilities included medical and vocational rehab and management. We dealt mostly with WC and liabilities clients. I was certified as a vocational counselor and was, at the time, the only nurse certified by the Department of Labor for District VI, to deal with injuried federal workers. I really enjoyed my job, which combined a great deal of travel, within Florida and outside.

Unfortunately, I suffered a WC injury, on a secondary seasonal job, was hit by a big rig, returning from a medical appointment, and haven't worked since. My old boss did her best but the picture had changed and my injuries were too great. Unfortunately, my WC carrier was not as open minded. Nor was my nurse case manager. She acted as if I were taking HER money :angryfire , fought me tooth and nail :angryfire for every procedure and piece of equipment I need. Some put a company's priorities before the client's. :crying2:

Grannynurse :balloons:

Nursenan0 · Aug 5, 2005

Hi,

I have been working as an MDS Coordinator in a LTC rehab facility for 3 years. I was "recruited" to start up a new Case Management position here 6 months ago for Medicare A skilled residents. I would like to hear anything anyone knows about a program called "Caregiver" if anyone has knowledge of this company.

Nursenan

EGPRN · Sep 19, 2005

I am currently doing WC case management as well. I like the perks but get discourage regarding the cases not moving forward much due to doctors allowing the patients to run the show and the laws not helping. I also miss the ability to work 12 hours shifts if I wanted. It is hard to do 12 hours in my opinion with billing. I thought about going back to the hospital to do ICU to perhaps pursue CRNA. I am a little aprehensive about it because you get so spoiled with doing WC. How was it for you going back to the hospital? Did you regret it when you did? Also, how can you get in legal nursing? I thought of considering it as well. I am not sure how big it is because I hear they use paralegals alot instead of nurses. Any response would be helpful

I have been in CM for years, both private sector and public - am going totally idep now and have been having difficulty finding sample client contracts and fee schedules. I was doing indep work many years ago, but obtaining work thru a managed care company. NOw I'm going on my own and can't seem to get help with setting up my contracts - any resources you can recommend...anyone??

thanks -

EP

homenurse12 · Sep 27, 2005

Am scheduled to take CCM in October. Any help or hints about the test or content would be appreciated!! THanks!!

Cynthia

EGPRN · Sep 27, 2005

Am scheduled to take CCM in October. Any help or hints about the test or content would be appreciated!! THanks!!
Cynthia

Good luck with the CCM - I thought it was tough, and I had 13 years case management experience behind me. I used A CASE MANAGERS STUDY GUIDE - Maldonado and Quinn. I found that the question structure/format of the exam questions were nothing like those of the ones that I studied. What I found most helpful was the self tests from the Study guide which gave me an idea where my weaknesses were. Then I studied the content of those areas, for me it was OB and Peds. So I concentrated on clinical content in those areas....I'm sure you'll get lots of advice - Everyone tests differently and some do better than others on standardized tests. For me, I always know my content, I just don't tend to test well. And I passed my first time. Happy studying.

E>

homenurse12 · Sep 28, 2005

Good luck with the CCM - I thought it was tough, and I had 13 years case management experience behind me. I used A CASE MANAGERS STUDY GUIDE - Maldonado and Quinn. I found that the question structure/format of the exam questions were nothing like those of the ones that I studied. What I found most helpful was the self tests from the Study guide which gave me an idea where my weaknesses were. Then I studied the content of those areas, for me it was OB and Peds. So I concentrated on clinical content in those areas....I'm sure you'll get lots of advice - Everyone tests differently and some do better than others on standardized tests. For me, I always know my content, I just don't tend to test well. And I passed my first time. Happy studying.
E>

I appreciate your insight and the info. Do you have any idea where I might buy the book used. The study guide is about $100 plus shipping...ouch... Thanks again.

Cynthia

EGPRN · Sep 28, 2005

I appreciate your insight and the info. Do you have any idea where I might buy the book used. The study guide is about $100 plus shipping...ouch... Thanks again.
Cynthia

I'll do a bit of digging and see If I can't find where the books are available...I beleive there is a site that sells used ones...i think these certification manuals are hard to find used. Check Half.com...I get a lot of books from there tho' i'm not sure if they'd have this type.

E.

Bibeau1 · Oct 10, 2005

Hi I'm the director of a case management department in Mass. I've done Case management for >15 years . this is an exciting time for CM's . As changes in provider reinbursement decreases our value increases . I recently hired a Cm w/o any direct experience and she has excelled beyond my expectations . I am now looking for a ED CM . keep looking it is a great field to be in ........

gr8rnpjt, RN · Oct 11, 2005

Have been working in managed care for 15 years. Had CCM but have been doing more UR so certification lapsed. Don't think I want to take the test again, and am considering the CPUR certification but it has never been a reqirement for any job I have ever had. I have worked in the 3 biggest managed care companies in my area (Pittsburgh) and a couple of littler ones also. I don't see a benefit to certification if I can keep getting hired for more money without it. But this area of nursing is great, having weekends and holidays off, steady daylight. I think all you really need is experience and computer skills, just IMHO.:)