FAQs for Healthcare Providers

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FAQ's

Family-funded, also known as private-pay, Nurse Care Managers complement the work of other health care providers in the circle of care. They serve populations that may not be able to access services in the public system or have the need for support in a more timely way. 

Click on any question or + symbol below to reveal the answer.

1. What is the Role and Scope of a Nurse Care Manager?

• Case Coordination: With over 30 years of nursing experience, Nurse Care Managers will coordinate all aspects of a patient’s care, as needed, ensuring that services from different providers (medical, social, therapeutic) are integrated and streamlined.
• Patient Advocacy: Nurses act as patient advocates, making sure that patients understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and the healthcare system.
• Care Planning: Nurse Care Managers  develop personalized care plans that align with patient goals, medical needs, and personal preferences, often considering complex or chronic health conditions.
• Monitoring and Follow-up: Nurse Care Managers regularly monitor the progress of care plans and ensure patients are adhering to treatment plans, adjusting care as necessary.

2. What are the Key Services Offered by a Nurse Care Manager?

• Health Education and Self-Management: Nurse Care Managers educate patients and families on how to manage chronic conditions, medications, and lifestyle changes.
• Chronic Disease Management: They provide specialized support for patients with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, or cancer, helping to prevent hospital readmissions and complications.
• Home Care Coordination: Many Nurse Care Managers help organize in-home care services, such as home health aides, physical therapy, and other home-based services.
• Referrals and Resource Navigation: They assist patients in navigating the healthcare system, helping them access necessary resources such as specialists, medical equipment, and social services.

3. What about Collaboration with Public System Providers?

• Information Sharing: Nurse Care Managers may share relevant patient information with public healthcare providers (with PHIPA patient consent) to ensure continuity of care.
• Improved Care Outcomes: Their involvement in a patient's care can lead to better health outcomes, reduce emergency department visits, and decrease hospital readmissions, benefiting both private and public healthcare systems.
• Supporting Overburdened Providers: By managing complex cases outside the public system, Nurse Care Managers can ease the burden on overworked healthcare providers in the public system, especially in settings like hospitals or primary care practices.

4. How do Family-Funded Nurse Care Managers Differ from Public System Case Manager?

• Payment Structure: Nurse Care Manager’s fees are paid directly by patients or families. These "private-pay" fees are subsidized by third party insurance when eligible.
• Flexibility and Personalized Care: Private-pay Nurse Care Managers often have more flexibility in providing individualized care, as they manage a smaller caseload and are not constrained by public system guidelines or limited resources.
• Preventive and Holistic Focus: Nurse Care Managers focus more on proactive care, prevention, and lifestyle management, while public system case managers may have a more reactive role in managing acute health crises or coordinating care within the bounds of the public system.

5. What are the Benefits of a Nurse Care Manager? 

• Reduced Hospitalizations: By helping patients manage their health more effectively, Nurse Care Managers can reduce the need for hospitalizations and emergency interventions.
• Cost Savings: While private-pay services can be costly upfront, they can save money in the long term by preventing the fall-out of medical emergencies, unnecessary services, respite care, and/or move to a retirement residence.
• Enhanced Patient Satisfaction: Patients may experience more personalized care, greater attention to their needs, and an improved overall healthcare experience with a Nurse Care Manager at hand.

6. What about Ethical and Legal Considerations?
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• Confidentiality: Nurse Care Managers must adhere to confidentiality standards and ensure that patient information is shared only with authorized parties.
• Scope of Practice: Nurse Care Managers operate within their scope of practice, ensuring they don’t overstep into roles reserved for other specialist and/or paid for by the public system.

​Nurse Care Managers often act as intermediaries between healthcare providers, patients, and their families, ensuring that everyone involved is on the same page. This helps avoid communication gaps and ensures more accurate, timely care across all specialists and services. This leads to better compliance with medical recommendations, which improves health outcomes and reduces the likelihood of complications.

With a Nurse Care Manager involved, patients experience smoother transitions between care settings—whether from hospital to home or between specialists. This continuity ensures that no details are missed, and that care is consistent, helping providers manage complex cases more effectively. In essence, when a patient has a Nurse Care Manager, healthcare providers benefit from a more organized, efficient, and effective healthcare process, ultimately improving outcomes, reducing costs, and enhancing the overall patient experience.

Health Care Management

​​We've designed a unique and holistic approach to patient health. Your Nurse Care Manager will work to open doors to precisely the care and services you need. Read more.

Range of Services

Nurse On Range of ServicesBoard has the right Nurse Care Manager with the experience to address your specific needs. See the range of conditions we provide.  Read more.

Corporate Care

​A range of Nurse On Board services are available for retirement residences and seniors' communities, to support individuals in both independent and assisted living environments. Read more.

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