The Social Services Department provides services even after the patient has left the hospital. Throughout the patient’s stay, social workers work together with physicians, utilization management staff, nursing staff, and various health specialists to plan for patient’s safe discharge. Social workers help patients and their families address and resolve the social, psychological and financial problems related to the medical condition. Social workers perform:
- Screening and evaluation of patient and family
- Comprehensive psychosocial assessment of patient
- Facilitate decision making on behalf of patient and family
- Coordinate patient discharge and continuity of care plan
- Promote collaboration among healthcare team members
UTILIZATION MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT (UM)
The utilization management (UM) department supports quality of care and positive outcomes by providing utilization review services and discharge planning for all patients admitted to the hospital. The UM staff collaborates with the physicians, nursing staff, social services, ancillary staff, and executive leaders to facilitate:
- Timely and safe discharges
- Efficient and effective use of resources
- Collaborative and coordinated practice of care across the continuum
- Performance improvement activities to achieve optimal patient outcome
The UM staff monitors the utilization and quality of healthcare services and intervenes as necessary to provide patient-centered care. The discharge planning staff works with the healthcare team throughout the patient hospital stay to ensure a safe and appropriate discharge from the hospital and the continuation of medical care. Coordination and delegation of tasks and assignments are implemented using a modified shared governance model.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
- Manager: Geneveve E. Zapeda
- Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm
- Social Services Phone: 805-652-3280
- Utilization Managment Phone: 805-652-3303