What Is Healthcare Case Management?

Healthcare case management is a way to help people get the care and services they need to live healthier lives. It’s a team-based approach that makes sure patients get support not just for their medical needs, but also for other things that affect their health—like housing, food, and transportation. 

At Denova Collaborative Health, we believe that taking care of the whole person is the best way to help someone feel better. Our case management services are available to Medicaid (AHCCCS) and DD/LTC patients and are part of our larger support for mental health, physical health and recovery from substance use. 

What Is Clinical Case Management? 

Clinical case management is all about helping patients manage the parts of life that can make staying healthy harder. Our case managers work with people to solve real-life problems that often get in the way of treatment. This can include finding a safe place to live, getting enough food, getting to doctor’s appointments, or finding help with childcare. 

To do this, case managers use tools and systems to keep track of what each patient needs and what support they’ve received. They also talk with doctors, therapists, and community services so that everyone is working together to help the patient. 

What Does a Case Manager Do? 

At Denova, case managers do more than just make referrals. They work with each patient to build a plan that meets their personal goals. They help patients find the right services in their community, navigate health care systems, and handle challenges like applying for insurance or dealing with government programs. Case managers check in often to make sure the plan is working and adjust it when needed. They’re there to support patients every step of the way, helping them feel more confident and less overwhelmed. 

How Can a Case Manager Help You? 

Case managers help with everyday needs that can get in the way of staying healthy. This includes: 

• Finding housing or applying for rental help 
• Getting food from food banks or meal programs 
• Finding clothes or other basic items 
• Connecting families with childcare services 
• Helping with rides to medical appointments 
• Making referrals for mental health care or recovery services 
• Applying for Medicaid or figuring out how to use health insurance 

When patients get help with these needs, they can focus more on healing and feeling better. 

Who Needs Case Management? 

Case management is for people who need extra help managing both their health and their everyday lives. This includes people with mental health conditions or substance use disorders who need support beyond therapy or medication. It also includes individuals who may not have stable housing, regular access to food, or a reliable way to get to appointments. If managing your health feels overwhelming or if you’re struggling with basic needs, case management can be the bridge to a more stable and healthy life. 

How Denova Does Case Management Differently? 

At Denova, we approach case management with compassion, expertise, and a deep understanding of what people need to succeed. Our case managers treat every patient as a whole person, not just a list of symptoms. We work side-by-side with patients to build care plans that are realistic and achievable. Whether support is needed in person or virtually, our team is available across Arizona to help. We use our knowledge of local resources to quickly connect patients to housing support, food programs, childcare, transportation, and more. Because we work closely with Denova’s therapists, psychiatrists, and primary care providers, our care is truly integrated. That means patients don’t just get help—they get coordinated, thoughtful support from a team that talks to each other. The result? Better connection between appointments, stronger progress toward recovery, and patients who feel seen, supported, and empowered to reach their goals. 

And our approach works. Patients who use our case management services have seen a 36% drop in their Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) risk scores in just three months. That means fewer roadblocks and better chances of recovery and stability. 

Ready to Learn More? 

At Denova, we’re here to walk alongside you and connect you with the support you need to thrive. If you or someone you know is a Medicaid (AHCCCS) or DD/LTC member in Arizona, schedule an assessment today. We’re ready to help.