The new Wash U Care Coordination program, staffed by registered nurse care managers, helps individuals access the care and resources needed to achieve the best possible outcome. RN care managers, working directly with treating physician(s) and other health-care service providers, help ensure doctor's orders are followed.

Vulnerable and very ill employees or family members often have difficulty navigating the healthcare system and need assistance in accessing necessary services for short- or long-term needs.

When complex health care issues arise and care needs require attention from several providers, services can become uncoordinated or may be duplicated while other unidentified needs may go unmet.

Effective care coordination benefits both the patient and treating physician(s) through intervention that coordinates communication among the patient, family, physicians and other health-care providers.

All personal information communicated to the RN care manager during participation in this service is held in strictest confidence and not reported to anyone outside of the care coordination department at an individual level.

Care managers will also review and help arrange therapy, pharmaceutical and at-home medical equipment options to meet the patient's needs as determined by the treating physician(s); and provide employees and families with additional education and instruction in health care.

As a result, hospital admissions are often avoided, further complications prevented and employees and their families are helped in becoming better self-managers of their disease(s) and symptoms.

Care coordination addresses the needs of a small percentage of patients facing difficult physical challenges that are often compounded by social or financial issues. Through addressing individual needs, improved clinical outcomes are achieved, and patient and physician satisfaction is increased.

For more information about this service, call the University's Care Coordination Department at 935-0400 or (866) 935-0400.