What is the primary role of a case manager during a patient's hospitalization?

The primary role of a case manager during a patient's hospitalization is to coordinate care and facilitate communication among healthcare teams. Case managers are essential in ensuring that all members of the healthcare team are working together effectively to provide comprehensive care tailored to the individual needs of the patient. They serve as a central point of contact, organizing the various aspects of patient care, including assessments, treatment planning, and the collaboration between healthcare providers.

This coordination helps prevent fragmented care, reduces the risk of medical errors, and ensures that patients receive appropriate interventions in a timely manner. By facilitating communication among physicians, nurses, social workers, and other staff, case managers help to streamline processes, clarify treatment goals, and support the continuity of care.

Other options, while important to the healthcare system, do not accurately capture the central function of a case manager during hospitalization. Direct medical treatment, hospital administrative tasks, and the impetus to discharge patients quickly are typically the responsibilities of other healthcare providers or administrative staff rather than the specific role of a case manager.