Case Load: An Overview of Its Meaning and Implications
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the definition and implications of case load. Case load refers to the number of cases a professional is assigned to manage and can have a significant impact on the quality of service provided. This paper will provide an overview of the definition of case load, its implications, and considerations for determining the optimal case load for professionals.
Keywords: case load, implications, optimal case load
Introduction
Case load refers to the number of cases a professional is assigned to manage and can have a significant impact on the quality of service provided (Geller, 2012). The definition of case load can vary depending on the type of profession and the context in which it is used. For example, in the field of social work, case load is defined as “the number of people served by a social worker or other professional” (Geller, 2012, p. 5). In the field of psychology, case load is defined as “the number of patients treated by a psychologist” (American Psychological Association, 2010, p. 14). In the field of medicine, case load is defined as “the number of patients a physician is assigned to treat” (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2019, p. 5).
Implications of Case Load
Case load has implications for both the professional and the individuals receiving services. For the professional, case load can impact the quality of services provided, as well as the professional’s job satisfaction (Geller, 2012). For the individuals receiving services, case load can impact the quality and timeliness of services provided, as well as the individual’s satisfaction with the services (Geller, 2012).
In addition, case load can have a significant impact on the financial sustainability of an organization. Organizations typically assign a certain budget to each professional based on their case load. If the case load is too high, the professional may not be able to provide the level of service necessary for the organization to remain financially viable (Geller, 2012).
Determining Optimal Case Load
When determining the optimal case load for a particular profession, it is important to consider the type of services being provided, the complexity of the cases, and the availability of resources. For example, in the field of social work, the National Association of Social Workers recommends that social workers should not exceed a case load of 15 clients (Geller, 2012). In the field of psychology, the American Psychological Association recommends that psychologists should not exceed a case load of 25 clients (American Psychological Association, 2010). In the field of medicine, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recommends that physicians should not exceed a case load of 30 patients (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2019).
Conclusion
Case load is an important concept for professionals to consider when determining the appropriate level of service to provide. By understanding the implications of case load, as well as the recommended optimal case load for a particular profession, professionals can ensure that they are providing the highest quality of service while also maintaining a financially sustainable organization.
References
American Psychological Association. (2010). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2019). Medicare program integrity manual. Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/pim83c03.pdf
Geller, J. (2012). Social work practice: A case-based approach. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.