Case management programs: investment in the future

A well-planned, proactive case management program that focuses on the identification and management of high-risk/high/cost patients can prove to be a valuable investment. FHP, Inc., implemented a pilot Patient Care Management program in the Long Beach/Orange County, California region. The program produced an estimated cost savings of nearly 4 million dollars in its first full year of operation. Results also included improved patient satisfaction, increased quality of care and decreased medical-legal risks. The program is currently expanding to all states where FHP has staff model operations. This article examines the steps utilized in the development of the program, and identifies keys to success.