How can case management contribute to reducing healthcare costs?

Case management plays a crucial role in reducing healthcare costs primarily through the reduction of unnecessary services and hospital readmissions. This is achieved by effectively coordinating care and ensuring that patients receive appropriate treatment at the right time and place.

When case managers assess a patient's needs comprehensively, they can identify areas where care may be duplicated or where interventions can be streamlined. For example, by managing chronic diseases more effectively and providing education to patients, case managers can help prevent complications that commonly lead to readmission to the hospital.

Additionally, by promoting the use of preventative services rather than reactive treatments, case management can address health issues before they escalate, which often results in lower overall healthcare expenditure. Emphasizing coordinated care not only improves patient outcomes but also optimizes resource utilization within the healthcare system, leading to significant cost savings.

This approach contrasts sharply with the ideas presented in the other options, which would not effectively manage resources or provide quality care, potentially leading to increased costs.