Mel Morgenbesser
Kristin Scheeler’s, MSW ’05 Patient Advocacy and Case Management Practice
After more than 20 years working in the field of gerontology working in hospice, nursing homes, and hospitals, Kristin Scheeler craved independence and an opportunity to focus directly on her clients’ goals. She recently founded Madison Care Management, a private practice providing a wide range of patient advocacy and case management services. The services she provides to clients and their families include:
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- Help communicating with your medical team and streamlining medical information
- Advocacy and support at or after medical visits about health insurance benefits and how to navigate them
- Education about health insurance benefits and how to navigate them
- End of life support beyond what hospice offers
- Assistance navigating complex and frustrating situations within medical and mental health systems
Starting a new business, especially for social workers and others working in the public sector, involves challenges. While her strong social work skills make her confident about the services she provides clients, learning about running a business, publicity, legal issues, fee for service decisions etc. requires new skills. Kristin wisely enrolled in Starting Block a Madison organization providing mentorship and education to new entrepreneurs.
Sharing a story about a recent client she worked with offers an example of the type of services Kristin provides. Her client has mild cognitive impairment, a number of medical concerns, and lives independently. She found it difficult to make appointments, recall her doctor visitors, what tests and procedures she has had, and generally coordinating her own care. Kristin attends medical appointments with her, keeps a list of what transpired at these appointments and generally helps guide her care.
Looking back at her social work education, Kristin shares that it, “anchored and guided my professional and personal life.” She fondly remembers former faculty members Tracy Schroepfer, Betty Kramer, and Dan Meyer who were particularly instrumental in her education.