Stepping up to Certification: The Case Manager's Guide to Certification aims to provide medical case management professionals, managers, supervisors, and others with information they can use for themselves and others to easily navigate the rich field of certification.

This special report provides background on the practice of case management, reviews common areas of practice that provide a course of study test takers can use to prepare for certification, describes the various certifications available for those involved in case management and medical management, reviews common test taking tips, and shares insight and views from leaders on the value of certification.

Table of Contents:

Chapter 1: Background

You will learn about leaders who started the practice of case management and whose theories still influence the practice today. To understand where certification comes in, you will learn essential skills and the core components of the practice.

Chapter 2: Case Management Across the Continuum

Is case management a profession or practice? Here, you will learn who makes up the health care team and the various settings across the continuum. Case management models and insight into the important role the social worker plays in case management are covered as well.

Chapter 3: Clinical Issues and more

Clinical issues to help focus study, the various reimbursement systems in the US health care system, legislation impacting health and health care, ethical issues guiding practice, and insight into the practice of workers' compensation and disability management all appear in chapter 3.

Chapter 4: Professional Development

Here the attention turns to professional development and a look at the evidence to support the value of certification for the professional, the organization and the consumer.

Chapter 5: National Case Management Certifications

Chapter 5 provides an overview of the current case management certifications and how to find them. You will learn which ones best meet your professional goals wit a significant helping of bonus material.

Chapter 6: Study Tips

Practical study tips will help you concentrate and ease anxiety as your test approaches.

Chapter 7: I Am Certified. Now What?

Following certification, professionals are faced with responsibilities and are simultaneously presented with exciting opportunities.

Chapter 8: Resources

Resources case management professionals can use to prepare for certification and general information to enhance practice.