What is Care Coordination?
Care coordination is a collaborative approach that ensures the communication of a patient’s information and preferences between healthcare professionals. This team works together to provide you with the most comprehensive healthcare possible and improve your quality of life.
What is the Main Goal of Care Coordination?
The primary goal of care coordination is to provide patients with safe, effective, and high-quality care. Facilitating communication between your healthcare providers will help you receive the best possible outcome for your unique situation.
Why is Care Coordination Important?
There are many reasons to incorporate care coordination within your healthcare plan. It can give you peace of mind, prevent medical errors, and improve your long-term well-being.
Gives You Peace of Mind
It can be stressful when the burden of managing your healthcare plan falls entirely on you. Knowing your healthcare plan is organized and backed by experts can give you peace of mind. In the event that you forget to communicate a detail about your care, you can rest assured that your doctors are already aware of it.
Helps Prevent Medical Errors
Without clear communication among your healthcare providers, you are more prone to accidental medical errors. You could end up taking repeat tests or receiving conflicting medication from different doctors. These errors can be expensive and detrimental to your wellness. With care coordination, all healthcare professionals involved in your treatment have access to the full scope of your healthcare plan to ensure your safety.
Improves Your Long-Term Wellbeing
It might seem a bit odd to have several people deeply involved in your care all at once, but the proper execution of your healthcare plan can lead to a better, faster outcome. In a short amount of time, you may notice your condition improving in a way that grants you more independence.
Who is Care Coordination For?
Care coordination can benefit anyone, but it is especially ideal for those managing several different health conditions or facing a series of complex treatments. It can help prevent medication errors, excess use of emergency care, and other issues.
Creating a Comprehensive Care Plan
A well-crafted care plan is the foundation of excellent care coordination. Having a systematic, organized approach to your care ensures that all healthcare professionals are informed and in sync.
Care plans should be co-created by you and your providers. Each time you visit a new provider, you should share the most current version of your care plan. Keep in mind that your care plan should be a living document that is continually updated with changes in your health, your life, and your goals.
What Does a Comprehensive Care Plan Include?
A comprehensive care plan for most health issues typically includes, but is not limited to, the following elements:
- Identification of a patient’s symptoms and diagnosis
- Expected outcome and prognosis
- Measurable treatment goals
- Symptom management
- Planned interventions and delegation of individuals responsible for each
- Medication management
- List of community and/or social services ordered
- A description of how services of agencies/specialists outside the practice are coordinated
- Regular evaluation and revision of the plan (when necessary)
Choose Community Healthcare Partners
At Community Healthcare Partners, your wellness is our top priority. Our friendly, knowledgeable team is here to help ensure that your healthcare journey is as seamless and effective as possible. Contact us today to learn more about our care coordination services.