Pediatric Care Coordination Resource Guide

Understanding Care Coordination, Care Management and Case Management:

Care Coordination

Care Coordination refers to the coordination of care at the system level, such as identifying referral pathways and resources for entire patient populations.

Care Management and Case Management

Care or Case Management occurs at the patient or family level and, as defined by the Case Management Society of America, is a collaborative process of assessment, planning, facilitation, care coordination, evaluation and advocacy for options and services to meet an individual’s and family’s comprehensive health needs through communication and available resources to promote patient safety, quality of care, and cost effective outcomes.

These services may be performed by a nurse or social worker, depending on the patient’s and family’s needs. In the MaineHealth system, care and case management terms are often used interchangeably and can occur in various settings (inpatient, home care, ambulatory, community). Individuals whose position titles are Care Manager or Case Manager can also have unique roles and responsibilities based on the population served and agency expectations. In certain communities, a Care Coordinator position may also provide care or case management services.

What Resources are available for patients in your region?

Points of contact in each region have taken on the responsibility for maintaining updated lists of care and case management resources in that area. See the table below and on the next page for your contact(s):

Contact Information