Hospital Case Managers
A case manager can be one of the most important people in your family's TBI journey. Here is what they do — and how to ask for one.
What a Case Manager Does
- Coordinate care between doctors, therapists, and specialists.
- Explain medical decisions in plain language.
- Connect families to insurance, disability, and financial resources.
- Plan safe hospital discharge and next-level care.
- Arrange home health, medical equipment, and rehab referrals.
How They Help Families
- Reduce the burden of paperwork and phone calls.
- Advocate for the right level of rehabilitation.
- Translate insurance benefits into a real care plan.
- Prepare families for the transition home.
When to Request One
- As soon as your loved one is admitted to the hospital.
- When you feel overwhelmed by the number of providers.
- Before any discharge conversation begins.
- When you are unsure about therapy, rehab, or home-care options.
Questions to Ask Before Discharge
- What level of rehabilitation is being recommended, and why?
- What will insurance cover — and for how long?
- What equipment will we need at home?
- What warning signs should send us back to the hospital?
- Who do we call after discharge with questions?
- Can you connect us with a brain-injury support group?
Not sure who your case manager is? Ask any nurse: "May I speak with the case manager assigned to my loved one?"