Small Cell Lung Cancer
Case Management
From finding a specialist and treatment center to understanding health insurance coverage and payment options, knowing where to begin after receiving a small cell lung cancer (SCLC) diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Adding a case manager to your care team as soon as possible can help you address these and other practical issues while you and your family focus on what matters most — your health.
Case management is typically a free resource designed to help manage the real-world issues related to a serious illness. These issues are considered barriers to care because they prevent you from receiving the best care and services available.
You can benefit from a case manager in many ways. For example, you may ask for their help accessing clinical trials or speeding up referrals to palliative care services.
Financial considerations are some of the most common concerns with cancer care. Their help may relieve the stress that often accompanies financial matters and may even reduce the cost of your care. Case managers are experienced in navigating the health insurance world and can take that responsibility off your shoulders.
Ask your health care team to connect you with a case manager. If one is not available, ask for a referral. Reach out to your health insurance company, medical or mental health office, doctor’s office or advocacy group, or use the resources in the back of this guide. Though they may not be called social workers, registered nurses, nurse navigators or other health care professionals, case managers use their extensive experience to advocate for you and your family. Choosing to have a case manager can feel empowering.
