Small Cell Lung Cancer
Case Management
Managing a cancer diagnosis and undergoing treatment can feel overwhelming. One valuable resource that may benefit you during this journey is case management — an often free program that helps manage the practical issues and problems associated with cancer. Case managers advocate, communicate, educate, organize and empower you to improve your care and outcome.
Case management is sometimes very specific and short term, confined to a period of time or to a certain issue, or it may be a long-term engagement based on your particular needs. Your case manager will complete an assessment to identify your needs and help develop individual goals and plans. From screening and assessment to care coordination and discharge planning, these personal advocates work to ensure you receive quality services.
Your case manager may be a social worker, trained financial counselor, nurse or some combination of these areas of expertise. They can work for hospitals, insurance companies and even primary care physician offices. Depending on your situation, you may have more than one case manager to help you overcome various financial, logistical and other barriers to care.
Coordinating Care
Managing a serious illness involves much coordination, such as filing insurance claims, paying medical bills and arranging for transportation. Although it may be difficult to focus on these items when you are concerned about your diagnosis and treatment, they often become critical. Your case manager can facilitate these responsibilities, reducing your anxiety so that you can focus on your health. In addition, a case manager can help alleviate stress on your family and caregivers so that they can better support your well-being.
Case managers often collaborate with health care professionals and non-medical personnel, developing a comprehensive management plan and coordinating care among different health providers. They may provide information about clinical trials or work to resolve issues with symptom management.
Not only can they help you better understand your disease and treatment options, they may secure access to therapies, therapeutic agents and medical supplies. Also, they help ensure treating physicians are fully informed about other treatments you are receiving.
Financial Concerns
It,s an added complication to think about the expenses associated with managing SCLC treatment. A case manager can connect you with financial experts who are skilled in planning for and managing the cost of cancer care. They can also assist with insurance enrollment, communication and benefits. This may include recommendations on how and when to make medical bill payments, clarification about insurance Explanation of Benefits (EOB) forms, and steps to get uncovered treatment approved. You are encouraged not to dismiss potential treatment options until you have looked into the financial resources that are available, even if you are uninsured or underinsured. In addition, your advocate can clarify Medicare Parts A, B, C and D, so you know the rules and procedures to follow and what is covered. If you are denied and wish to issue an appeal, your case manager can guide you in this process.
Managing Resources
Because they are familiar with available local resources, case managers can help you find the support you may need in your community or, if those resources are not available nearby, at the state and national level. For example, they may work to arrange supplemental oxygen or other necessary equipment, transportation or meals. In addition, they may suggest ways to help improve safety in the home. If you need to travel for treatment, a case manager can connect you with organizations that may provide transportation resources and lodging for individuals affected by cancer and their families. If you are employed, your treatment may require you to change your work schedule or request accommodations to help you continue to successfully perform your job. By providing information about workplace protections and disability benefits, these advocates empower you through knowledge.
Case management sometimes offers indispensable services surrounding end-of-life needs. If you choose to be at home at this time, a case manager may be available to arrange for door-to-door transportation from the medical facility to your home and ensure a hospice company, necessary equipment and a nurse are on site before you arrive. The goal is to help you feel secure and comfortable, surrounded by people who care.
Getting Started
Ideally, a case manager will contact you after a hospital admission or diagnosis. However, if that does not happen or if your health care team does not offer case management services, you can ask for a referral or call your insurance company or primary care physician’s office. You may also choose to hire the services of a private case manager.
Your needs will change as time goes on. Keep in mind that even if you do not work with a case manager immediately after receiving your diagnosis, you can decide to explore case management services at any time.
