The Faces Behind the CDPHP Care Team – Miranda

Hospitals are often the place you go when we’re feeling the worst. Hospitals are known for providing the highest level of care, having the latest and greatest technology and treatment options, but let’s face it, they can also be a bit scary, confusing, and expensive.

That’s why we created CDPHP Hospital to Home, a concierge-level service designed to keep you and your loved ones supported and well-informed on your path to better health. From the moment you’re admitted to the hospital, you will be greeted by a member of the CDPHP Patient Care Team. The team, which is made up of doctors, nurses, social workers and benefit specialists, will be working around-the-clock to ensure you’re comfortable.

Your care team will answer any questions you might have during your stay. When it’s time to be discharged, they’ll stay in touch to help coordinate follow-up appointments and provide assistance with medications, transportation needs, meal planning, and more.

The program is run by members of the CDPHP Care Team who bring a warm and knowledgeable approach to the care you receive. Over the next few weeks, we’ll introduce you to members of the team so you can put names to faces to names and further understand why they do what they do.

Meet Miranda

How long have you been with CDPHP? What’s your current role? And what’s your favorite part about the job? I have been with CDPHP for a little over five years now. I am currently a HARP Case Manager within the Hospital to Home program. My favorite part of my job is experiencing the “ah-ha moment” with a member: when you’re working to address a barrier to care, or you get to experience positive change with a member and you see the light bulb go off. It’s for those moments that I became a social worker.

What did you do prior to joining CDPHP? Prior to CDPHP, I worked at Northeast Parent & Child Society when I ran a prevention program for adolescent boys.

The COVID-19 crisis has been difficult for so many of us. In your role, what are some creative ways you’ve worked to support CDPHP members and their families during these difficult times? A lot of the members that I work with experienced mental health disorders prior to the pandemic, so COVID has been extremely taxing. I remind members to engage in self-care by assisting in brainstorming ideas of things they enjoy doing. Reframing thoughts of worry and anxiety in order to encourage positive coping skills (over something we truly have little control over) can be so beneficial.

What’s your best advice for CDPHP members who experience a hospital admission? My best advice to members who are admitted to the hospital would be don’t be afraid to ask questions. It is so important to understand not only what brought you into the hospital, but what can be done to prevent you from returning to the hospital. I have found that many members are afraid to ask the difficult questions regarding new conditions, medications, therapy, treatment recommendations, etc. However, this is where the Hospital to Home team can be helpful. Let us support you in asking those hard questions!

These are scary times. As a health care provider, what’s been the scariest thing you’ve had to deal with? Overall, hearing the sad stories of members who have lost loved ones has been difficult. I am also embedded in the hospital so I have seen COVID-19 firsthand and how people have to be isolated. It is a very scary time, but it has been enlightening to see how people have also pulled through and attempted to remain positive.

What’s your most memorable moment from the 12 months? My most memorable moment from the last 12 months would be purchasing my dream home with my boyfriend. This down time during COVID has allowed us to be creative and complete house projects. I am learning a lot about what it means to be handy by watching my boyfriend fix my mishaps!

What are your hopes and dreams for 2021? For 2021, I am hopeful to remain healthy. With a healthy mind and body I feel empowered to lead by example in order to help others. And I also hope for live music to be a thing again – I can’t wait to be able to go to a concert.

What do you do outside of work? When I am not working, I am most likely playing a sport (football, softball, volleyball, etc.). I also enjoy hiking with my dogs and completing house projects. Or, planning a trip to go to a football game. Go Bengals!

Be sure to check back over the next few weeks as we introduce you to more members of the team.