Case Management Services

A case manager can get you the services you need quickly, especially health care and treatment, but also food, housing and other needs. A case manager helps people learn about programs and services they need, and assists them to access these resources. You will work with your case manager to identify and achieve goals that are important to you. Case management services are completely confidential and are provided free of charge. Your information is only released if it is needed to get you more services. You must sign a form allowing your case manager to do this. Personal files are kept in locked file cabinets and on secure computers so no one other than your case manager has access to your confidential information.

Intake and Assessment

After you contact a case management agency, a case manager will ask to meet with you in person. This meeting may take place in their office, in your home, or at some other location you choose. During the intake and assessment, your case manager will ask you questions to gather medical information, social information, and any other information that will help them identify any needs. Your case manager may also ask for verification of your HIV diagnosis, income verification, insurance information, a list of current medications, your most current lab reports, a social security card (if available), and photo identification (if available). It usually takes about one to two hours.

Emergency Assistance

Your case management agency may be able to offer emergency assistance. Decisions about the use of emergency assistance will be directed by agency policies and advisory board guidance. This type of assistance is usually limited. Access to assistance varies from agency to agency, and typically includes assistance with:

• Lodging or rent
• Utilities and Phone
• Prescription medication costs
• Nutritional support
• Travel to medical appointments

Creating a Care Plan

The Care Plan lists goals agreed upon by you and your case manager. These goals will focus on improving your quality of life. You will create a care plan based on your intake and assessment. You will meet or talk with your case manager at least every 3 months to update your Care Plan. At this time, you will discuss progress that has been made toward achieving your goals. Some examples of typical goals are:

• To access medical services
• To find safe and affordable housing
• To access HIV medications and follow medication schedules and requirements
• To access disability benefits or health insurance
• To develop a financial plan
• To find a system of social support
• To access mental health services
• To access substance abuse services
• To practice safer sex

Connecting to Services

Some of the services that your case manager can usually get you include referrals for medical care, dental care, and eye care. They will also provide treatment adherence services and counseling, housing or shelter assistance, support services and counseling, legal assistance, emergency financial assistance, and other services.

Protecting Your Privacy

During the intake process you will be asked to sign forms allowing the release of information to your case management agency. Your information will not be shared with any individuals outside of the case management office without your signed approval. You must sign a form that lists both your rights and your responsibilities as a case management client. You will also be asked to sign a Consent for Release of Information if it is needed. This form allows health, income, and insurance information to be released to your case management agency or other service providers. This information will not be shared with anyone outside of the case management agency without your signed consent anytime that information needs to be shared.

• Request Information
• AIDS Treatment Data Network
• Case Management/Counseling
• HIV Treatments
• Hepatitis Treatments
• The Access Project
• Education and Informational
• Simple Fact Sheets
• Patient Assistance Programs
• Health and Advocacy
  

Unhappy with Services?

All case management agencies have policies and procedures if a client has a complaint or problem with services. Clients should try to deal directly with their case manager. If the problem persists, clients will be offered the opportunity to meet with others at the agency.

Join the Advisory Board

Case management agencies have advisory boards that you may become involved with. It may be run entirely by clients, or case managers and community members may also be involved. They usually meet four times a year, but members can call or e-mail anytime. Most case management organizations have skilled, unpaid volunteer opportunities for those who are interested as well.

Thank You, New York State

Thanks to The New York State Department of Health and The New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute, as well as The New York City Department of Health and Mental Services for ongoing assistance, training, quality assurance and improvement, program monitoring, and evaluation services