Care Coordination

two elder women talking to a nurse looking at an ipad

Does juggling diagnoses, appointments and treatment plans feel like a chore? Have you ever wondered if you really need a certain test, or wished all your providers knew about each other? When you enroll in a Medicare Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP), you’ll be assigned a care coordinator who will help with all of these things and more.

What is care management?

Care management is a program to help coordinate an individual’s care. Care coordinators can help manage your medical, behavioral health, and substance abuse services. In cases of multiple providers or complicated diagnoses, a care coordinator will help:

  • Coordinate services and resources.
  • Monitor your progress.
  • Provide you with education, support, and resources.
  • Promote wellness and autonomy.
  • Communicate your needs across all providers.
  • Advocate for you to eliminate redundant services and tests.
  • Help prevent medical errors.
  • Plan transition of care after a hospital discharge.

How can care management help you?

Care coordinators can assist you and your providers with:

  • Pre-approval process for services.
  • Organization of treatments, appointments, and meetings. 
  • Locating additional resources and referrals to share with you.
     

Here are a few key benefits of care management:

  • Safety – communication between your doctors helps to ensure medical errors do not occur.
  • Involvement – communication between you and your doctor allows you to be more involved in your own healthcare.
  • Better care – when your care is coordinated, you are more likely to receive the preventive care and services you need to remain healthy.

The role of your primary care provider

Your primary care provider (PCP) helps lead the way in your treatment and ensures your main needs are met. They help communicate with your care coordinator, along with specialists and behavioral health providers, making them aware of any tests, procedures, and services you might need. 

It’s essential to keep your regular appointments with your PCP or set an appointment with a new PCP if you don’t have one. Along with your care coordinator, your PCP can help you stay on track and receive the best health outcomes.

Get empowered

The care management program can empower you to be confident and knowledgeable about your personal healthcare needs. It can introduce you to available healthcare services, and show you how to access appropriate, high-quality care when needed.

 The care management team will ask you to be involved in creating a Care Plan to reach specific goals related to your health and well-being. An example of a Care Plan may look like:

  • Attempting to exercise three times a week for ten minutes a day to improve heart health.
  • Scheduling a diabetic eye exam within six months.
  • Ordering your prepaid flex card so you can begin to use your monthly grocery allowance.
  • Talking to your PCP on your next scheduled visit about any concerns.

You won’t be alone. Your care coordinator will help you work on your Care Plan goals and update them as they change. Our care coordinators are dedicated to making sure your plan is working for you, and your voice is heard. They are your partners in health. 

Looking for D-SNP care coordination?

If you are interested in learning more about coordinating your care across multiple providers, you can visit Medicare.gov to learn more. 

For those with a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, you may be assigned a care coordinator based on the type of plan or unique needs you have. Those enrolled in a D-SNP are automatically provided with a care coordinator. If you don’t have one, but would like to see if you qualify, you can ask your health plan to do an assessment and see if care coordination is right for you.

Sentara Medicare has Licensed Plan Advisors ready to help.

One of our friendly Licensed Plan Advisors can help you find a plan that fits you best. We can answer your questions and help you enroll. 
1-877-550-3285 (TTY: 711)
October 1-March 31 | 7 days a week | 8 a.m.-8 p.m. 
April 1-September 30 | Monday–Friday | 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Find more information on our website at sentaramedicare.com/dsnp.

Sentara Medicare is an HMO Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (HMO D-SNP) that has contracts with Medicare and the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services’ Medicaid program. “Cardinal Care” is the brand name of Virginia Medicaid. 

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