Why a care management team is your secret to getting and staying well
Working with a team of health care specialists is the best way to treat a new or ongoing condition. Meet the providers on your side.
Maybe you love your primary care provider (PCP). (We sure hope you do!) But no matter how great they are, they don’t know everything about medicine. Nobody does. For example, you want an OB-GYN in the room if you're having a baby. But a cardiologist would be your go-to for a heart condition.
That’s why when you’re dealing with a condition like diabetes or heart disease, it helps to have a group of professionals with different areas of expertise on your side. They can help you handle a range of concerns. That’s exactly what a care team is.
Care teams are helpful in managing any complex condition. That includes chronic illnesses like cancer. It also includes mental health conditions like depression. The right team can help you make a plan for staying healthy. In fact, research shows that having a care team improves the safety, efficiency, and quality of your health care.
Care teams are also helpful when you’re recovering from a hospital stay. They can help you stay on top of your medications and follow-up appointments. They can also help arrange covered in-home care and extra support if you qualify.
Your team may range from a few health experts to 10 or more. The size and mix of the team depend on your personal needs. Here are some top team players and their roles.
Primary care provider (PCP)
Think of your PCP as the leader of the pack. You may have several different specialists who don’t usually talk to each other. Your PCP can create one care plan from all their suggestions. They are your go-to when you have questions about your health or care plan. And their answers are more personalized. That’s thanks to their deeper understanding of your conditions and care.
Registered nurse
Nurses aren’t just there to take your height and weight. They can be a great resource for many areas of your health. They can answer your questions about your diagnoses and treatments. They can share ideas for making healthy lifestyle changes. They can also help with handling advice from other care team members.
Health motivation at your fingertips
You can use your Wellframe app to chat with licensed nurses and healthcare workers, track your health goals, search our resource library, and more. Download it today to get started.
Social worker
Social workers can offer emotional and social support for you and your family. They can also connect you with helpful resources. This may include getting access to:
- Safe housing
- Healthy foods
- Rides to doctor's visits
Mental health specialist
Many people with chronic conditions deal with anxiety and depression. This is especially true if you have chronic pain. Counseling may help. Think about reaching out to a psychologist or social worker. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication if you need it.
Care manager
A care manager is there to help you navigate the health care system. They keep tabs on your medical records. They log your progress. Along the way, they can help you stay on top of your treatments and make sure they're working. They can also help you get added services and resources if you need them. Having trouble paying for care or medications? A care manager can help you find solutions.
Pharmacist
A pharmacist does more than fill prescriptions. They check doses and can tell you about possible drug side effects. They also can warn you about drug interactions. And they can suggest different drugs if needed.
Physical, occupational, and speech therapists
Sometimes after an illness, like a stroke, you may have trouble with basic life tasks. You might struggle to walk, talk, or get dressed. Therapists can teach you how to do these skills again. And they can help you get tools, like wheelchairs and scooters, that help you with daily living tasks.
Dietitian
Diet is often part of treating a health problem. That's especially true with conditions like:
- High blood pressure
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Certain cancers
A dietitian can create a meal plan that’s good for you.
Health care advocate
As the name suggests, a health care advocate is there for your support. They can help you figure out the right health benefits for your needs. And what questions to ask your care team. You can also ask them to go with you to doctor's visits.
What you need to know
The key to getting the most out of your relationship with every care team member: good communication. To build a strong foundation, ask these questions every time you have a visit with a new care team member:
- How can you help me with my health?
- How will you talk with other members of my care team?
- How does your care plan fit into my overall health plan?
- What symptoms should I tell you about?
- How often should I see you?
- How will I know that my treatments are working?
Your digital health management app, Wellframe, can help you connect with your care team. The app comes with your health plan at no additional cost. When you have the right care team working with you, you can feel good you are doing all you can for your health.
Sources
- James TA. “Teamwork as a Core Value in Health Care.” Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publishing. August 6, 2021. https://postgraduateeducation.hms.harvard.edu/trends-medicine/teamwork-core-value-health-care
