For people with complex health conditions, navigating the health care system, managing their condition and locating providers can feel overwhelming. The care management team at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is here to help. Made up of pharmacists, social workers, dietitians and registered nurse case managers, the team works together to help high-risk members navigate an often-complicated health care system. By assisting with care coordination, the team can help members avoid unnecessary or duplicative medical services and more effectively manage their health conditions. Here are some of our dedicated Care Management team members on why they love what they do and how they’re positively impacting members every day through their roles.
Nicole K., RN case manager Becoming a nurse was a dream Nicole had since childhood. After reaching her goal, she worked in cardiac telemetry, float pool nursing, chemotherapy and home health care before joining Blue Cross four years ago. She loves helping members reach personal milestones. “When members are just not sure what the next step in their care should be, I am happy to walk alongside them to help them find the options that are out there and help them determine the treatment plan that might be best,” she said.
Souad B., pharmacist Souad knew what she wanted to do from an early age. Her neighborhood pharmacist made special trips to the family’s home after hours to give her grandmother injections in her knees for severe arthritis. “I knew then I wanted to be just like him when I grew up, helping people feel better,” she said. That passion grew and led to various pharmacy positions, including the last five years at Blue Cross. “The thing I enjoy most about what I do is talking to patients and trying to help them in any way I can,” Souad said. “I don’t always have an answer or a solution to their issues, but they are always appreciative of the effort and the attention they are given.”
Ashley P., registered dietitian Working at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for the last seven years, Ashley has had the opportunity to touch the lives of thousands of people by helping them fully understand how the food they eat affects their overall health. “Working with members on making lasting lifestyle changes has been incredibly rewarding and is my favorite part of my work,” she said. “I appreciate being able to follow up with people and be a part of their wellness journey over time and have found my role to fulfill my passion for serving others in the arena of health and wellness.”
Rosemary D., social worker With many high-risk patients, physical health isn’t the only barrier to wellness. For the last five years at Blue Cross, Rosemary has helped patients work through social determinants of health that might be holding them back such as inadequate housing, transportation issues or other concerns. “As a medical social worker, I enjoy speaking with members and listening to their concerns and assisting them in finding resolutions. In other words, assessing psychosocial barriers that impact their health and helping them find and connect to resources to overcome those barriers,” she explained. “I am an advocate for our members.” Interested in a care management career? The care management team at Blue Cross is expanding their care management model to align with regional and community resources and deliver whole-person care to those in need. Several positions are currently open and would offer applicants an opportunity to make a real difference in patients’ lives. “I would tell job applicants that working in Care Management provides many opportunities to help and advocate for members as well as work with a multi-disciplinary team,” Rosemary said. “Working in care management at Blue Cross opens the door to a different side of nursing," Nicole said. “You have a chance to impact care delivery, improve medical outcomes, as well as provide help in reaching medical goals that members might have difficulty doing on their own. It is a fulfilling job.” Go to our Careers page to learn more about open care management positions. If you found this post helpful, you might also enjoy:
- Powerful Mission Unites Women at Blue Cross
- How Pharmacists Shape Care at Blue Cross
- The Underestimated Creativity of a Career in IT
Main image photo credit: Gajus
