How does case management contribute to reducing healthcare costs?

Case management significantly contributes to reducing healthcare costs primarily by preventing unnecessary hospitalizations and readmissions. Effective case management involves a comprehensive approach to coordinating patient care, ensuring that individuals receive appropriate services when needed, and managing their health conditions proactively. This proactive management helps identify potential health issues before they escalate, ultimately reducing the likelihood of emergency situations that require hospitalization.

Furthermore, case managers work closely with patients to create personalized care plans, promote adherence to medication, and facilitate follow-up care, all of which help reduce complications that can lead to hospital visits. By focusing on care coordination, education, and resource utilization, case management fosters better health outcomes, keeping patients healthier in their communities rather than relying on costly acute care services.

The other options suggest strategies that do not align with effective case management principles. For instance, increasing hospital stays or limiting access to specialists could lead to higher costs and less patient satisfaction by not addressing the individual needs of patients. Similarly, encouraging expensive treatments for all would not only escalate healthcare expenses but also undermine the goal of delivering cost-effective, patient-centered care.