It is amazing to witness the energy occurring at the CMSA meeting in Orlando, Fla. More than 2,700 professionals with a common interest in case management wake up early to begin another day of learning, networking and meeting new associates and colleagues. As we moved from session to session, we gathered and plucked information from experts who set out to address topics that will help case managers improve their practice and the care they provide.

I began my day with a swim in the pool at 6:30 a.m. and then joined a group of leaders and employers at the Industry Council Meeting, an annual event that brings together industry leaders and employers from the area to discuss challenges they face in their companies. This grants CMSA a better understanding of their needs and allows them to strategize as an organization on how best to meet those needs.

The meeting began as Peter Moran and Jeff Frater laid out their vision for the forthcoming proceedings. They charged Deb Gutteridge, the Industry Council Chair, with bringing back information to the Board concerning the issues at stake and the opinions of the participants.

Next Mr. Rosen, the owner of Shingle Rosen Hotel talked about how he, battling rising healthcare costs, developed a primary healthcare clinic to provide care for his employees and their dependents. By doing this he has been able to rein in healthcare costs while improving the health and productivity levels of the more than 5,000 employees of the hotel.

We learned from some of the employers at the meeting that this is a growing trend by those who are not waiting for others to “fix” health care but are instead taking matters into their own hands to meet the needs of their employees.

Next Peggy Leonard, a fellow case manager, provided an overview of what her company, Hudson Health Plan, has done to address the growing challenges employers are facing in motivating employees to be proactive in their own healthcare decisions. Hudson Health Plan has designed educational programs and tools for those struggling with obesity, diabetes, smoking cessation and other chronic conditions that impact quality of life. Both examples made clear the value of employees.

Following these presentations the group had some dynamic discussions on the future of the Industry Council, the importance of a mission statement and stated goals, and ideas on how to help employers better understand the purpose of the Council.

Following this meeting I sampled the three morning symposiums that took place on topics such as chronic pain, multiple sclerosis and the management of cerebral palsy. The meetings were well-attended and the speakers first rate.

Next I attended one of the meetings from the Hospital, Business and Physician track on the Patient Centered Medical Home. The session provided an overview of the concept of the medical home and the role it is playing in providing access and care coordination to consumers. It was interesting for me to hear this program as Dorland Health covered this topic in the June/July issue of Case in Point. If you do not receive Case in Point, click here to review The Patient-Centered Medical Home, written by our colleague Eleanor Soltau.

Research and Development

The day then called for an editorial board meeting with frontline case managers and leaders in the practice to review the 2009 editorial calendar and brainstorm on ideas that we can cover in upcoming issues of Case in Point. The meeting was stimulating for me as I listened to each person and their suggestions and recommendations. One thing I can say after this meeting is that there is no lack of topics to cover, so stay tuned!

Before I knew it, it was time for the grand opening of the exhibit hall. As has been tradition for several years, the National Board welcomed attendees into the hall to meet 272 exhibitors who brought new products and services. Dorland Health has a beautiful booth that showcases several issues of Case in Point from the past year. It was great to hear so many case managers come by and share their views on Dorland Health’s products, including Case in Point, Across My Desk, and the Case Management Resource Guide. Those who visited the booth also got to see some of our new directories that we have to offer. To thank our readers, we gave out T-shirts so that case managers can express their zeal for the practice.

The day ended with an enjoyable business dinner with my colleague Elna Hamp and fellow professional Eve Stern from SnapforSeniors.

As I wrapped up the day, I watched the memorial to Tim Russert that took place earlier. I hope that you got to see this great tribute to someone we all looked to for the news but also regarded as a friend. I was struck by his son Luke, who handled the loss of his father with composure and a moving spirit. He truly was his father’s son.

Have a great day!

 

Anne Llewellyn, RN-BC, MS, BHSA, CCM, CRRN
Editor-in-Chief of Across My Desk, Case in Point magazine, and the Case Management Resource Guide
allewellyn@dorlandhealth.com