Case management plays a pivotal role in healthcare by ensuring that patients receive coordinated and high-quality care, especially those with complex medical needs. At the forefront of this mission is the Case Management Society of America (CMSA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting case management professionals nationwide. With its widespread presence across the United States, CMSA has become an essential resource for healthcare providers, professionals, and organizations seeking to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs.
This blog takes a closer look at the states utilizing the Case Management Society of America’s chapters, the impact of CMSA in the healthcare ecosystem, and how case managers can get involved to benefit their careers and their patients.
What is the Case Management Society of America (CMSA)?
The Case Management Society of America was established in 1990 with a mission to advocate and support the professional development of case management professionals. CMSA focuses on ensuring efficient and patient-centric care through education, professional resources, and robust networking opportunities.
Key Mission & Vision:
CMSA’s ultimate vision is to improve healthcare systems by promoting case management as a key tool to streamline processes, enhance care quality, and reduce overall costs.
Impact on Healthcare:
CMSA chapters support professionals in delivering better-coordinated care for patients. They aim to solve modern healthcare challenges such as handling chronic illnesses, navigating multi-provider services, and addressing health disparities. This directly translates into reduced hospital readmissions, improved quality of life for patients, and cost savings for healthcare systems.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the world of case management, CMSA provides resources to grow your skills and make meaningful contributions to the healthcare field.
Which States Use the Case Management Society of America?
States with Active CMSA Chapters
CMSA’s impact extends nationwide through its local chapters. These chapters provide regional opportunities for professional development, networking, and resource sharing. Chapters are generally distributed based on demand for case management services and population density, which means states with larger or more diverse healthcare needs often have multiple chapters.
Here is a list of states with active CMSA chapters and their prominent branches:
- Arizona
- Central Arizona Chapter
- California
- Southern California Chapter
- Sacramento Chapter
- Texas
- Houston/Gulf Coast Chapter
- Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter
- Alamo Chapter
- Florida
- All-Florida Case Management Network
- New York
- CMSA NYC
- Long Island Chapter
- Hudson Valley Chapter
- Tennessee
- Memphis Mid-South Chapter
- Middle Tennessee Chapter
- Chattanooga Chapter
- Illinois
- CMSA Chicago
- Georgia
- Atlanta Chapter
- Augusta CMSA
- Virginia
- Central Virginia Chapter
Other states covered include Colorado, Michigan, Oregon, and Washington, among others. CMSA chapters are spread far and wide to ensure that case managers across the U.S. have access to resources, training, and support tailored to their regional needs.
States Without CMSA Chapters
While CMSA aims for nationwide accessibility, some states currently lack active local chapters. However, case managers in these areas can still access CMSA’s national resources and even consider starting a chapter in their state (we’ll explain how later).
Importance of Regional CMSA Chapters
Individual CMSA chapters are volunteer-driven, meaning they are often led by passionate professionals committed to advancing case management in their regions. These chapters play an essential role in connecting healthcare professionals to local communities, offering resources and education that directly influence patient care and professional development.
How Chapters Support Case Managers
- Networking and Collaboration: Local chapters serve as a hub for healthcare professionals to connect, share practices, and learn from one another.
- Regional Events & Training Programs: Many chapters organize workshops, conferences, and certification training designed to meet the unique challenges of their geographic area.
- Community Healthcare Initiatives: Some chapters, such as the CMSA Memphis Mid-South Chapter, focus on engaging with underserved communities to tackle specific healthcare concerns.
These local touches make CMSA chapters indispensable for case managers striving to improve not only their professional skills but also the healthcare systems in their region.
Benefits of Joining CMSA for Case Management Professionals
Choosing to join CMSA opens the door to a wealth of opportunities, especially if you’re a case manager, social worker, or healthcare professional who wants to make an impact.
Key Benefits of CMSA Membership
- Access to Exclusive Resources: Members receive tools such as case management education modules, practice guidelines, webinars, and more.
- Professional Development: CMSA promotes continued learning through certifications, workshops, and opportunities designed to elevate your practice standards.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals and mentors, either nationwide or in your local chapter.
- Advocacy Efforts: CMSA amplifies the collective voice of case managers, driving policy changes that support the profession and improve healthcare systems.
CMSA membership is a one-stop solution for professionals eager to advance their careers while directly benefiting patients.
How to Get Connected with CMSA in Your State
Navigating CMSA’s resources is easier than you might think. Follow these steps to connect with a chapter near you or access national support if your state doesn’t have one yet:
- Use the CMSA Chapter Finder: Visit the CMSA website’s “Find a Chapter” tool and type in your ZIP code or state to locate the nearest chapter.
- Contact Local Representatives: Each chapter provides chapter-specific volunteer contacts who can share information about upcoming events and membership options.
- Start a Chapter in Your State: If there’s no active CMSA chapter nearby, CMSA provides a step-by-step guide to help you establish one.
Influence of CMSA in Key Areas of Healthcare
CMSA’s role in healthcare extends beyond just professional development. Its influence is felt in various critical areas, including care coordination and advocacy.
Care Coordination
- Promotes smoother communication between healthcare providers.
- Optimizes outcomes for patients with chronic illnesses or complex medical needs, ensuring a patient-centered approach.
Advocacy & Policy Impact
- CMSA chapters often play a role in advocating for healthcare policies that benefit the case management profession.
- Past efforts have contributed to systemic improvements in patient care delivery.
Education & Professional Growth
- Regional chapters organize educational workshops that introduce new tools and case management techniques.
- These resources prepare healthcare professionals for the future of care delivery.
Closing Thoughts
Whether you’re a healthcare provider looking to deliver better care, or a case manager eager to grow your career, the Case Management Society of America (CMSA) has the tools, resources, and community to help.
From professional development to advocacy, CMSA’s chapters across the U.S. play a critical role in advancing healthcare outcomes. If your state doesn’t have a chapter yet, there’s still a world of national CMSA benefits waiting for you—and you could even start the next one.