What is a rehabilitation case manager?

A rehabilitation case manager is a trained professional who helps to plan, organize, coordinate, monitor, and evaluate services and resources for a rehabilitation patient. Case managers usually don't provide actual, direct, patient care, but may work either as part of the rehabilitation team (internal case manager) or for the patient's insurance company (external case manager). A case manager is responsible for ensuring quality and cost-effective healthcare services, and serves as a patient advocate.

Case managers are often rehabilitation nurses or clinical social workers. They may practice in a variety of settings, including the following:

• Hospitals

• Inpatient rehabilitation centers

• Outpatient rehabilitation centers

• Home health settings

• Insurance companies

• Private practice

Case managers may choose to become certified in their specialty.