What is the primary responsibility of a case manager in inpatient care?

The primary responsibility of a case manager in inpatient care is to coordinate patient care and resources across multiple services and discharge plans. This role is essential in ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their needs. The case manager acts as a liaison between various healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, social workers, and therapists, to create a cohesive plan that addresses the patient's medical, emotional, and logistical requirements during their hospital stay and post-discharge.

By coordinating care, the case manager helps to facilitate communication among the healthcare team, manage patient flow, ensure that the necessary resources are available (such as rehabilitation or home care services), and navigate complex healthcare systems. This holistic approach not only improves the quality of patient care but also enhances the overall patient experience, reduces the length of hospital stays, and helps prevent readmissions.

In contrast, other roles mentioned, such as administering medication, performing surgical procedures, and leading physical therapy sessions, focus on specific aspects of patient care and do not encompass the broad oversight and planning responsibilities that a case manager holds.