Case managers advocating for residents is vital to the work of The Barry Robinson Center. In health care, the Certified Case Manager (CCM) credential is a mark of distinction. Recently, Corrine Shelor, the Center’s utilization management director, achieved this prestigious credential, bringing an even higher level of care for residents.
“In working and advocating for others, CCM is prized as ‘The Gold Standard’ for case manager excellence, across all health care and health management settings,” Shelor said. “I felt this credential was necessary to bring additional value and validation to advocating for the needs of all populations across the health care continuum.”
Earning the CCM credential requires good moral character consistent with the Commission for Case Manager Certification Code of Professional Conduct. CCM also requires certain education and licensure, employment experience and standards of quality in practice. Applicants demonstrate their knowledge of the case management process by passing a rigorous examination. Certification is valid for five years, with re-certification required through continuing education.
“As the healthcare field continues to change, the role of a case manager as both an advocate and negotiator on behalf of the client is critical. It helps ensure the best interests and rights of the client are upheld, as well as ensuring the services outlined in the identified clinical pathway are provided,” Shelor said. “It is our duty as adults to advocate for children, as this piece is often missing or absent. I cannot think of a better advocator, other than being the child’s parent or guardian.”
Shelor has worked at the Center for nearly four years. She describes her role as a “bridge” between payers and the Center’s clinical team. She works as the residents’ advocate with regard to care activities, length of residential stay and discharge/aftercare plans.
“As a clinician and patient advocate, in combination with being a veteran and ex-military dependent, I enjoy advocating for our patients and their care,” Shelor explained. “I especially enjoy working with military dependents because I can relate to the military population and all the challenges they face on a daily basis.”
Her connections to the military run deep. Shelor served eight years in the U.S. Army, including several years in Germany and at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Her family’s military service represents four branches – Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. She is the proud mother of a son on active duty as a Navy Diver/Special Ops in support of the Navy’s 7thFleet based in Japan.
“Continuing to be able to advocate for the healthcare of our military-connected families is very dear to me,” Shelor said. “I feel blessed to be a part of Barry’s Robinson’s mission of improving the lives of children and their families.”