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Compiled by Ken Congdon, editor in chief, Healthcare Technology Online

In hospitals, patients often see and receive care from multiple physicians, nurses, and other staff. Healthcare case managers help coordinate the efforts of these teams of workers on behalf of the patient. Case managers typically oversee a group of patients and serve as an intermediary between family members and healthcare workers. Managers regularly review patient treatment plans, progress notes, and help prepare patients for discharge from the hospital and suggest follow-up treatment plans. While always a valued role, the evolution of healthcare in the United States is placing added importance on the case management function in the care continuum. In this exclusive Q&A, we speak with Shawn Curtiss, Director of Product Management for FormFast about the role of healthcare case managers and the IT tools available to help streamline and automate their efforts, while improving overall patient care and satisfaction.

Q: Why is case management so vital to the future of healthcare in the U.S.?

Curtiss: In an effort to stunt the rising cost of healthcare in the U.S., healthcare reform aims to change the way reimbursements are administered to hospitals. Instead of payments being issued for every service provided, healthcare providers will soon be reimbursed based on patient outcomes and the level of care they provide to patients. Case managers become extremely important in this new environment because they will be responsible for managing a patient's progress through the hospital and ensuring the hospital gets the maximum reimbursement possible at the fastest possible pace. Access This Content To Read This Article In Its Entirety.