Cheryl's Blogspot

W The next time I purchase a new vehicle there are several features I have on my wish list.  For as much as we case managers travel, Navigation is high on the priority scale to make life easier.  Under the pressure of arriving at a physician appointment on time, it's never a good feeling to take a wrong turn or get lost. There are times our role as a case manager is much like a navigator. Deana Scott, RN had that experience just yesterday while attending a physician visit.  After three years of treatment for a work injury, the physician had nothing further to offer, and there appeared to be issues of malingering and symptom magnification.  There was a point at which the physician actually had a look in his eye of being lost as  far as how to bring the treatment course to an end.  Confusion centered around  the injured worker's return to work goals.   It's at times like this, a Case Manager is able to maintain focus and much like a navigato...

Whether you know the song from the Madagascar movie or Apollo and Julianne's performance on Dancing with the Stars, this is such a catchy tune! And it came to mind when I read an email update from Stacy Mathis, RN just now.   Stacy's client just completed a progress evaluation with her surgeon, and is doing well, but additional healing and therapy time are needed before medical release.   One principle we adhere to at JMS is regular and timely intervals for physician follow up. Providers that don't understand WComp may suggest a 6 or 8 week follow up appointment.  Our CMs request monthly return visits, as too much can change for the better or worse during that time frame in the recovery process.  In this case, Stacy assured the return appointment was scheduled appropriately. Additional healing time may still be indicated, but work restrictions could likely be relaxed, helping out the employer, and actually contribute to the client's strengthening in prep...

Fresh out of nursing school I worked in a busy Internal Medicine physician group.  I had thought it would be my dream job, but after several months went by, for me it actually became a daily dull-drum of  scheduling tests, refilling prescriptions, and  tearing table paper.  I remember getting excited when a patient needed a joint injection so I could prep and assist with a procedure!  I know that sounds creepy to some.  It's a nurse thing; some don't understand. Nowadays as a Case Manager, it's still a thrill when an injured worker needs a joint injection, or a trigger point injection in clinic; Because I know this is something that will likely give that patient quick relief from their pain, and at the very least be diagnostic to clarify the pain generator.  These injections typically consist of a lidocaine, an anesthetic to numb the area, and a steroid, which acts to reduce inflammation and promote healing.  This is a wonderful thing. ...

You might be a boomer if:       The Beatles                                                   You know why they call it "dialing" a phone You researched a topic using your parents' set of encyclopedias  You remember Joe Namath in pantyhose As our case managers log in their case updates, I noticed several claimants that are baby boomers, injured in the workplace.  Stacy Mathis, RN just closed a file on an injured fireman.  His work injury involve several body parts, and his treatment planning had to take into consideration a pre-existing knee surgery and mental depression. From day one, this injured worker stated his goal was to get back to work, which he did achieve.  Jackie Cooper, RN has an ongoing file where the injured worker was just shy a few months from retiring, and will lose all benefits if she cannot com...