title: Taking care of hospitalized patients also means taking care of business.
abstract: To be an advocate for their patients and keep their hospital's best interest in mind, case managers should be informed about the financial aspects of patient care. Clinical decisions should always guide patient care, but payer requirements and coverage limits are also important. Know how the hospital is paid, and understand payer requirements for reimbursement. Keep patients' benefits and lifetime limits in mind when developing a discharge plan. Ensure that patients get the care they need to avoid unnecessary time in the hospital. Keep up with Medicare's and other payers changes in terms of what they will and won't approve.