908-685-2953

What Is Care Management?
Somerset Medical Center understands the concerns and uncertainties often associated with the need for hospitalization, and offers patients a free support and guidance network called Care Management.

Our Care Management team is a group of experienced professionals from many different specialized areas of the hospital. They help to assure that you receive the highest quality, cost-efficient services possible in accordance with your individual needs.

Care management is available to all inpatients, and social workers also are available to assist outpatients with community resource referrals and assistance with nursing home placements.

Here to Help You
Planning for your discharge actually begins upon your admission to the medical center. This gives the Care Management team time to evaluate your needs, discuss your options, customize your care plan throughout your stay and ensure you feel ready for discharge.

The team provides guidance and works with your physician and nurses to coordinate any health care services you may require after discharge.

Your Care Management team consists of two members:

Your Case Manager…

• Serves as a liaison to your insurance and managed care organizations
• Initiates appropriate referrals to support services you may need

Your Social Worker…

• Provides counseling and emotional support
• Coordinates your care with the treatment team and discusses your discharge options, including arranging home care, rehabilitation or long-term care
• Assists you with any community resources you may need upon discharge to ensure continuity of care

Your level of interaction with the Care Management team depends on your unique health care requirements and life situation.

How Do I Receive Care Management?
To take full advantage of the services available to you, please communicate your needs as early as possible. This communication process may include discussions with:

• Your physician regarding your treatment plan and how long you will be in the hospital
• Your nurse and nurse manager upon your admission and throughout your hospital stay
• Your social worker and case manager regarding your health care needs and discharge options
• The Pre-Admission Testing Department, or any time during your stay.

The most important point to remember is that you or your family should ask for assistance whenever you need it. Just tell your nurse that you would like to talk to someone about Care Management Services or contact us directly by calling 908-685-2953.