Frequently Asked Questions

A Life Care Plan is a "dynamic document based upon published standards of practice, comprehensive assessment, data analysis and research, which provides an organized, concise plan for current and future needs with associated costs for individuals who have experienced catastrophic injury or have chronic health care needs." (IARP-IALCP)

Both Michelle and Liz use the evidence-based process specific to their areas of practice. Components of this process include:

• Medical record review and analysis.
• Interview and assessment.
• Collaboration with treatment and/or physician expert teams.
• Collaboration with economic and vocational experts as appropriate.
• Research and data analysis.
• Plan development.
• Geographically relevant cost research.

A life care plan is utilized to substantiate the future care and costs for a variety of injuries:  brain injury, spinal cord injury, birth injury, orthopedic injury, chronic pain, vaccine injury (Guillian Barre, post polio, seizure disorder). Cases likely to benefit from a life care plan are those needing multiple medications, procedures, surgeries, or assistance by a nurse or attendant on an ongoing or recurring basis.

As case managers, we have years of expertise in medical treatments, options of care, expected outcomes and complications as well as community resources. Occupational therapists consider factors that impact an individuals’ participation in activities that are meaningful to them in the context of their roles and environment.  Nurses address an individual's response to health problems with the goal of promoting well being of the individual in their family and community.   We collaborate and bring our combined expertise to each 

Life Care Plan addressing: 

• Safety in the home and community
• Function in day-to-day activities
• Supportive services needed to promote best function in the home and community, i.e., home care (this is specifically within the scope of the nurse)
• Adaptive aids and specialty equipment to promote best function
• Home and environmental obstacles to best function
• Emotional, spiritual, social roles and function
• Community access and involvement

The average life care plan takes about 40 hours, spent over several months. This includes time to review medical records, a home visit or attendance at an IME exam, collaboration with experts and or treaters, cost research and report preparation. This rough estimate does not include testimony or trial preparation. 

The injured individual's diagnoses, the number of providers and their response time to inquiries, the volume of materials for review, and case load all impact the amount of time it takes to complete a plan.