In addition to knowing the physical findings, the case manager must be aware of the history and course of the problem, the duration of symptoms, the approaches that have been effective or not effective in the past, and the patient's receptivity to various treatments and approaches. Information about changes in the patient's daily routine, and how they have affected the family, may also be valuable. Case managers review and evaluate information in medical reports and documents from other providers for reliability, credibility, and validity. They must consolidate large amounts of information, organize and classify it, identify patterns, determine what is pertinent, and explore further when additional information is needed. They compare information from many sources and clarify confusing areas.
Case managers assess and evaluate the financial aspects of care.
They gather information about patients' benefits, determining who is responsible for payment and whether the coverage is adequate. They determine what processes need to be started, and what barriers may be anticipated. If the patient is eligible for other types of appropriate services, the case manager makes referrals or tells the patient how to self-refer. If a patient needs a service for which he or she is not covered, the case manager explores alternative sources of care. The case manager assesses and evaluates the costs and benefits of various care options.