Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC) Practice Exam

In discharge planning, healthcare professionals primarily focus on assessing care needs to ensure safe transitions for patients from the healthcare facility to their next phase of care, whether that be home, a rehabilitation facility, or another healthcare setting. This assessment is crucial for identifying the type and level of support the patient may require after leaving the facility, including any medical treatments, medications, or follow-up appointments necessary for their continued recovery.

Understanding the specific care needs allows case managers and other healthcare team members to create a comprehensive discharge plan that addresses potential risks and ensures that patients have the necessary resources and support in place. This may involve coordinating with community resources, home health services, and outpatient care providers.

While considerations such as cost-saving measures, patient criteria for ongoing services, and the potential for claims denials are indeed important in the overall healthcare environment, they are secondary to the fundamental goal of ensuring that the patient has a safe and effective transition from the acute setting to their next phase of care. This primary focus on care needs directly impacts the patient's health outcomes and reduces the risk of readmission.