Case managers are charged with assessing, planning, facilitating, and advocating options and services for individual patients, thereby promoting high-quality, cost-effective healthcare outcomes. Nurses who become certified in case management have shown that they have the education, skills, and experience to assist and mediate on behalf of patients.

Case managers have a pivotal role in helping patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a disease characterized by uncertainty and a roller coaster of unpredictable symptom manifestations. From the time of its devastating diagnosis through the many stages of MS, case managers provide a unique supporting role for patients. Case managers wear many hats when it comes to supporting MS patients. They educate, encourage, and counsel patients. They address the patient’s quality of life aspects including exercise, lifestyle activities, financial/governmental assistance needs, mobility equipment needs, and access to MS rehabilitation centers and MS support networks such as the Consortium of MS Centers (CMSC).  And in addition to helping the patient with physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs, case managers educate and monitor the patient’s adherence to important disease-modifying therapies.

1. Identify how the early recognition and treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can modify the course/progression of the disease and reduce future economic costs.
2. Discuss practical, strategic management skills needed to utilize evidence-based standards for specialty benefit strategies that succeed in a value-based healthcare environment.
3. Explain the impact of therapeutic interventions on case management practices.
4. Define the role of the case manager as a member of the health care team and patient advocate.
5. Discuss the importance of the case manager as it relates to compliance/adherence to drug therapy, quality of life issues.