title: Case management--a vital link to performance improvement.
abstract: A pilot program in the cardiac surgical service resulted in a $ 1.3 million reduction in patient charges while quality patient outcomes were sustained. Pivotal to the success of the program was the implementation of the case manager role.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Walrath
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Owens
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Dziwulski
mesh_terms: D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000401:mortality / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019090:Case Management / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007587:Job Description; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D017749:Total Quality Management / Q000458:organization & administration*