Case Management services are provided through Community Services Network of West Tennessee, Inc. (CSN).  The Case Manager is responsible for the facilitation of the CSN benefit package in a cost effective and efficient manner.  The Case Manager is also responsible for the overall coordination of health and behavioral services for CSN members.  Services must be coordinated by the Case Manager along with a physician’s order for CSN to pay  the claim.
The Case Manager is also responsible for collaborating with the Provider Agency Nurse working closely to assist in resolving issues identified by the Case Manager.  The Case Manager works with the Circle of Support Team as well to assist in the implementation of the Individual Support Plan (ISP). The Case Manager gathers information to determine problems, various service needs, supports, resources, etc., that are necessary for the development of the Member’s Case Management Plan.  Additionally, the CSN Case Manager utilizes this data, as well as solicits input from the Member, the caregivers, guardians and/or conservators, the Independent Service Coordinator, the residential providers, family members and the health care team, to develop the individualized Case Management Plan that enhances access to efficient medical care and facilitating quality outcomes for the individual.

CSN’s Case Managers use case management principles and CMSA Standards of Practice to promote optimal Member outcomes.  (More information can be found at www.cmsa.org.) 
The Case Managers act as a liaison between the Medical Staff and the Circle of Support (COS) to facilitate communication to achieve goals and to support informed decision making choices by the Conservator.  Additionally, the Case Manager acts as an Advocate for the member to see that the individual’s medical needs are met and promotes optimal health.
Members are visited by a Case Manager based on an acuity level determined by an assessment tool and assigned by the CSN Case Manager and subsequently approved by the Director of Clinical Services.  Visits can range from a weekly to a quarterly basis.
CSN has five nurses who are Certified Case Managers (CCM) and two of these nurses are also certified as Developmental Disabilities Nurses (DDN).  Additional information regarding the Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association at www.ddna.org.   For more information on the DDNA or CSN’s Case Management services, please contact Susan Hatfield, RN, CDDN, LNHA, and President of WTDDNN at (901) 266-7276.