Addressing Weather-Related Physical and Mental Health Issues

In response to evidence of the rising health risks from weather-related events, professional case managers should expand how they assess individuals (known as "patients" in some settings) to identify their existing and potential risk factors, including where people live and work and the weather-related risks that may be present in those environments. A case management assessment of an individual's weather-related health risks could not only inform a particular treatment episode but also help avoid preventable setbacks and recurrence of illnesses. If those risks are not addressed, they could lead to costly emergency department visits and/or hospitalization.