Inexperienced Case Management

[racingmind]

Hi Everyone,

Well, after a fairly long wait, I finally got a call from a case manager from my local ASO.  After talking for a few minutes on the phone to set up our initial meeting, she admitted to me that she just started the job and doesn't know much yet, but has the resources to find the answers to any questions I might have.

I'm concerned because I don't know all the questions I'm supposed to ask!  I was hoping that a case manager would give me a lot of information about things I haven't thought of concerning being newly diagnosed.  I would much rather have a seasoned pro, because, after all, this my my life we are talking about. I would like someone with established contacts who might be able to expedite things quickly.   I don't know if should, or even have the right to, ask for someone with more experience.  I really want someone who is already very knowledgable about all the aspects of dealing with being HIV+, not someone who has to research everything I ask.  Hell, I can do that myself.

Has anyone had a similar experience?  Any thoughts you might have would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Dxx

[ademas]

I haven't had that experience--but I've had the experience of feeling like I'm being patronized or overlooked by a seasoned professional, who's either a bit burnt out or has heard my exact story more times than they care to remember.

I think I would give the new case manager a shot at it.  Surely she's been trained and provided with materials to go over with you, and what she lacks in experience she might well make up for in her efforts to be thorough, and her attitude to make a difference.

2 cents.

[aztecan]

Hey Dxx,

I'm with Ademas on this. Having someone who is enthused and willing is often more beneficial than someone who is an "old hand" but may not be as driven to help.

That said, some of the things to talk about with the case manager, in no particular order, may include:
* ADAP and Ryan White Program enrollment,
* Housing assistance,
* Counseling and support groups,
* Food bank or supplemental food programs,
* Referral to a good internist or ID doc (if you haven't one already),
* Dental programs,
* Availability of alternative/complementary therapies such as massage therapy or accupuncture,
* Transportation assistance (bus passes, cab fare vouchers, etc.).
* Applications for Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, cash assitance, LIHEAP, LITAP,

There are probably others I have overlooked. These are things available here in New Mexico, along with a Native American Wellnes Program that will pay for a shaman or medicine man to provide traditional ceremonies.

You may or may not be eligible for some or all of the above. Much of it depends on income. Here in New Mexico, some are based on 300 percent of poverty level here, others are 200 percent and others at 150 percent.

Things are different in each state, but this may give you a place to start. Also, when it comes to SSI and SSDI, those are federal programs and have some rules those agencies have to live by, even though they are enough to drive you crazy at times.

If you determine your case manager is not living up to your expectations, don't be shy about talking to the client services director (or whatever your case manager's boss is called) about your concerns, and to the case manager herself.

I hope this helps a little.

HUGS,

Mark

[Robert]

I agree.  I've found regardless of experience, I've always had to do my own homework to know what to ask for and expect.  Mark has given you some good leads.  Copy that list and take it with you when go to your appointment.  And I'll betcha your case worker will do what it takes to see that you get what you need. 

Because you're both new at this, you can learn together.  Sharing is always a lot of fun.

robert

[racingmind]

Thanks for the input!

I just got a call from the case manager and she can see me today rather than next week...so I'm off with questions in hand....THANKS so much...I'm gonna give her a shot....

I'll update after the meeting. 

Dxx

[Iggy]

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[ACinKC]

DXX,

You have alot of seasoned PRO's right here.  Go easy on the new girl!  Enthusiasm can be a great thing for you.

[racingmind]

Well I had my first meeting with the case manager yesterday afternoon.  It went well.  It was like 2 amateurs trying to figure out things.  She had a very specific outline of the process and asked many questions.  Not all of the things we talked about applied to me (at least not yet).  I was mostly concerned about assistance programs to help pay for meds if and when I need them.  My other main concern was getting some help with therapy, because I have been having good days and bad days since my diagnosis last month.  I think that speaking with a professional therapist will help me cope with all the feelings I have been having since this all began. It was nice to know that there are lots of other services available should I need them in the future.

All in all, it was a good meeting and I feel that this new case manager will be able to help me.  Thanks for all your kind words.  The next step for me will be another ID visit to go over my second set of labs to see where things are heading.  Meds could be around the corner.  If I need to go on meds, at least I have to information and applications to seek assistance in getting them.  In the meantime, I'll be getting some much needed mental health assistance.

Dxx

[Ann]

Hi Race,

It's good to hear that your appointment went so well.

It's also good to hear that you are considering counseling and I would encourage you to pursue this course of action. As I mentioned to you in your other thread (Getting meds with crappy insurance) having someone to talk over your feelings with can go a long way to relieving some of the stress you are experiencing. This is important because stress can greatly impact on your numbers and general health and well-being. This might be something that enables you to avoid the meds in the near future. Good hiv management means looking after the WHOLE of you, not just your physical health. Your emotional health and your physical health are tightly intertwined.

Good luck and thanks for keeping us posted.

Ann