Compassion in action

MESSA nurses advocate for members when they need it most

When nurses in the MESSA Medical Case Management (MCM) program learned about a member who had a degenerative neurological disease that would slowly take away all functionality, they quickly got to work to provide specialized support.

Their goal: To help improve the member’s quality of life.

Nurse Melissa McDonald “We were able to help with advocacy and go to doctor appointments to make sure the doctors were speaking with each other to get a treatment plan in place,” said Melissa McDonald, a nurse coordinator in the program. “We were able to help get a power wheelchair and durable medical equipment to keep them safe in the home and to help the family take care of the member when they weren’t able to take of themselves.”

Registered nurses provide MESSA members and covered dependents who have serious illnesses or injuries with advocacy and personal support. The nurses also work with members who have health concerns but feel like they’re not being heard by their providers.

Cameryn Shaver, a nurse coordinator, recalled a member who was experiencing frequent joint dislocations that were painful and debilitating. She was in such pain and felt so overwhelmed that she took a leave from college.

Nurse Cameryn Shaver “She had a primary care doctor that she felt was dismissing her concerns,” said Shaver, who was able to help the member navigate through the health care system and find another primary care provider for a second opinion — and a diagnosis. She had Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which affects connective tissue in the body.

Once she had a diagnosis, MCM helped put the member on the path to recovery.

“We were able to get her into physical therapy,” Shaver said. “At the time, she was looking at probably needing shoulder surgery. But in doing some aggressive physical therapy, she was able to rehabilitate the shoulder enough to not require the surgery and was able to return back to work and back to school.”

It’s common to feel powerless when dealing with a health crisis. The support provided by the MCM program helps give members knowledge and confidence that they’re making informed decisions for themselves or their loved ones. That peace of mind can make a world of difference.

Nurse Mary Kay Erickson “No one ever expects to get a devastating diagnosis or illness or injury,” said Mary Kay Erickson, MESSA nurse coordinator. “MESSA’s Medical Case Management is here for you. We’re here to support and advocate and give you peace of mind.”