Getting to Know Your CoCM Team

Collaborative care is always a team approach, yet there are many different possible types of CoCM teams. In some settings there is only one care manager; in others, you might be one of multiple care managers and/or a behavioral health clinician.

In all cases, the PCP and psychiatric consultant are a part of the team. As a care manager, it is part of your role to know who is on your care team. By identifying who is on your care team, this helps you “tap in” for support and/or additional resources to help the families you are working with. On-going communication with the care team ensures a sustainable model of care. 

Build Relationships

Relationships are key. Get to know everyone on your team. Allow them to get to know you too! Create a system where you are able to communicate regularly (daily for PCPs) with the team (if you are remote and/or not co-located, this is even more essential). 

If you are co-located, let them know where you will be sitting. Walk around and say “hi.” Engage with your team. Visibility goes a long way. 

Building relationships can take time and that is okay. Sometimes a little creativity is helpful. Is there a “get to know me” questionnaire that is passed around to team members? What about a board that has all collaborative care members posted with interesting facts about them? The key here is to build a community of collaboration. 

Be Proactive

Are there ways that you can help identify patients? Are you asking for referrals? Are there any meetings/huddles you can join to talk about CoCM?

Can you check in with the support staff about referrals? Provide information to PCPs on a regular basis about the reasons for referrals into the CoCM program. 

Prioritize Good Communication

Some care managers are new to the medical field, it can be an essential tool to learn the language that medical professionals use in this setting.

Finding out the best way to communicate with team members is also helpful. Do they prefer an email, documentation in the EHR, or a verbal conversation? In any case, your role is to help figure out the best way to communicate patient needs. 

Collaborative care is a team approach, and good communication allows the team to work together for the best outcome for their patients. PCPs want and need information about how their patients are progressing in the program. Making a habit to connect to the care team, especially the PCP, will increase PCP buy-in and referrals into the program.