Glossary of Site Terminology

C

• Case Management

  Case Managers are generally responsible for coordinating long term patient care (heart/kidney disease, transplants, etc.), as well as the care of patients who have been discharged from the hospital to home. They may be employed by the hospital or by a health plan. These individuals are a direct point of contact between the patient and his or her physician.

• CNA

  Certified Nurse Assistant. A CNA must complete a training program (which ranges from 80 hours to one week or more), pass a state certification exam, and then register with the state. After that, he or she will be able to work in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and in some cases, hospitals as part of a health care team.

• Critical Care

  Medical care for a critically ill or injured patient. A critical illness or injury is one that acutely impairs one or more vital organ systems such that the patient's survival is jeopardized.