[CseMgr1]

I'm going to be taking the CCM Exam for the first time this Fall, and would like to hear from those who have taken it; i.e. what study materials (if any), did you find useful, and which areas of the test were the hardest? Thanks!

[LasVegasRN]

Read, from cover to cover, the Case Manager Handbook.

Know, ADA rules and regulations - especially important are knowing the employers rights and the employees rights. A question I remember from 1999 was about the employee having to have the essential qualifications to be able to perform the job. Another was the number of employees and employer has to have in order to be exempt from ADA rules and regs.

Know of these things and what they stand for (hint - the internet, God bless it, was so helpful for this):
Longshoreman's Act
FECA
COBRA
Railroad Workers Act
Black Lung Act (Coal-miners)
ERISA
HIPAA (there should definitely be a question on this because if it's importance)

Know some of the basic tests that are used to assess a person's intelligence level and job ability (can't think of them off hand).

MEDICARE!!! Be aware of the history and basic rules and regs. There was a question on a 24 year old kidney transplant patient qualifying for medicare. Another one on who would be primary - the spouse under age 62 with private health insurance, or the patient who is on Medicare. Know what it does and does not cover, difference between Part A and Part B.

Medicaid - know who qualifies, what it does and does not cover.

Workers Compensation - how it came about, what it does and does not do. Remember some are state regulated, some are federally regulated. This is where Longshoreman's Act, Railroad workers, ect. comes in to play.

HIV/AIDS considerations in case management.

Rehabilitation - what a program should involve. Remember there are several different types of rehab, KNOW aspects of Vocational Rehabilitation. What test voc rehab counselors use to assess abilities. There were 2 questions on tests I'd never heard of! So, I guessed.

Oxygen! What p02 or O2 Sat must you have for Medicare to approve oxygen? The cost and usage difference between liquid and gas. Considerations you must make when deciding on systems for a patient.

Those are the one's I can think of off the top of my head. I hope some recent test takers post here for you!

[CseMgr1]

Thank you SO much, Vegas!..It just so happens that I have "The Case Manager's Handbook", and will keep it in my bathroom, until October. Viva Las Vegas...!

[LasVegasRN]

I am cracking up. The bathroom has all my best reading material also!

[bernarma]

Anyone ever done case management in a clinic setting?? If so curous how it differs or how it may be similar to hospital or insurance cm.

Thanks.

[Koryp]

I've been reading up on CCM requirements and wondered if anyone could clear up the work experience requirements. I'm confused by the "multiple environments" part. I work as an RN CM in a 300+ bed Medical Center. My primary duties are in acute care, but I also work with patients from the ED and our in house subacute floors( SNF and Rehab). I perform all 6 of the essential activities in each of these settings. Would I be eligible, or do I actually have to find a job outside of the hospital to meet the "multiple environments" requirement?.
Thanks, your posts,
Kory Pitre

[LasVegasRN]

Kory - I'd suggest sending an email to the CCM board and ask that question. It's hard to answer without actually seeing how you address each point, and sometimes what they are looking for isn't interpreted correctly.

I know at one hospital where I did some per diem case management the other case managers applied and were denied. CCM stated they didn't follow the patient through the continuum enough to qualify.

[hoolahan]

I just found out I am eligible. Anyone else taking it?

Any advise for those who have taken it recently? I have heard it is horrible, and the "kind of test you really can't study for."

Any input is appreciated. Thanks

[ryaninmtv]

I will be taking it next October, need to get my supervisory time in before leaping forward. Post back and let us know how it was.

[lynnintn]

I am new here; have been a case manager (w/c) off and on since 92. I am taking the exam 10/26. I just want to get it over with! Mr co-worker took it in June and said to brush up on Federal laws re: disabilities, and of course on your neuro/ortho anatomy; however, she felt the bulk of it was just common sense.