The Turkey is Gone, Continuity Stays: Why Nurse Case Managers Matter

Well, Thanksgiving is over. The leftovers are questionable, the stretchy pants are working overtime, and let’s be honest — half of us are still pretending pumpkin pie counts as a vegetable. (It TOTALLY does.) But while the holiday haze fades, one thing we cannot afford to let slip is continuity in nurse case management.

Continuity: Not Just a Buzzword

• Catastrophic cases: When an injured worker’s world flips upside down, the last thing they need is a revolving door of case managers. Continuity means one steady guide through the chaos — someone who knows the history, the hurdles, and the human behind the claim.
• Everyday cases: Even the “routine” files benefit. Because let’s face it, “routine” injuries are only routine on paper. Continuity keeps treatment plans on track and prevents the IW from wandering off course like Uncle Bob after his third glass of wine.

The Cost vs. Reality Check

Now, here’s where the budget guardians chime in: once a catastrophic case stabilizes, it’s less expensive to hand things off to in‑house case managers. On paper, sure — the spreadsheet looks prettier. But let’s not kid ourselves. That handoff often means the IW loses the one person who knows their story. Suddenly they’re explaining their entire journey to someone new, frustration builds, trust erodes, and guess what? Litigation enters the chat. And litigation doesn’t just eat up time — it eats up money. So that “cost savings” move? It can backfire spectacularly in the long run.

Why It Actually Matters

• Trust: Injured workers aren’t looking for a new best friend every month. They want someone consistent who gets them.
• Clarity: Continuity cuts down on the “Wait, who are you again?” moments and keeps care streamlined.
• Better outcomes: Translation: fewer delays, fewer headaches, and more successful recoveries.

This season of thanks reminds us that continuity isn’t just nice — it’s necessary. It’s the difference between an IW feeling supported versus feeling like they’re stuck in a game of case manager musical chairs. And spoiler alert: nobody wins that game.

Here is to the nurse case managers who stick with it, who keep the care on the right track, and who make sure injured workers don’t just survive the process but thrive throughout. Continuity is the gift that keeps on giving — unlike that Tupperware of stuffing you should probably throw out by now.

Happy Holidays, Work Comp Warriors 💚