2015 Health Care Champions Social Worker/Case Manager: Bonnie Thomas

Bonnie Thomas has one title but many roles.

As medical home care coordinator for Citizens Memorial Healthcare in Bolivar, Thomas provides patient education and locates an area food pantry one day and follows up with a nursing home and consults with doctors seeking patient services the next day.

“Every person is important,” Thomas says. “All individuals want and deserve to feel as healthy as they can. Navigating the health care system can be difficult and confusing. Because I enjoy connecting the dots and putting the puzzle pieces together, I become extremely excited when I am able to help bring about success for those who need assistance. I feel very passionate about wanting our patients to feel better, and I believe my ability to be creative and think outside the box is an integral part of that success.”

Thomas’ career in social work began at CoxHealth’s North Hospital, and when Cox South was completed, she became its first social worker and part of CoxHealth’s first case-management department.

After 21 years with the Springfield-based health care system, Thomas moved to Citizens Memorial, where she has worked in all areas of the hospital.

As part of CMH’s medical home department, Thomas maintains consistent contact with hospitals to make sure necessary medical records are sent to a patients primary care physician.

“In addition, I am also a sounding board for doctors,” she says.

Thomas also spends a good portion of her time contacting all patients discharged from the hospital who belong to a CMH primary care provider to review medications, instructions and follow-up appointments. She also indentifies patients at high risk for readmission and works to reduce that risk.

“In the medical home department, we provide case-management services to patients that are medically complicated with the goal of assisting them in improving their health and providing a more positive quality of life based on individual needs,” Thomas says.

Angela Davison, CMH’s medical home director and telehealth coordinator, says she couldn’t have asked for a more qualified and caring person than Thomas to work with patients.

“She works tirelessly in making sure there are no gaps in care transitions for patients,” says Davison. “She goes the extra mile for the patients she contacts every day. If you were to ask any of her co-workers, managers or patients, they’ll say that Bonnie truly gives 100 percent in every case.”

Davison  says Thomas efficiently and effectively manages to contact more than 98 percent of patients discharged from the hospital in order to help them recover quickly and safely. In addition, she responds to calls from staff not knowing where else to turn to get help for patients without the basic necessities, medication or a safe environment.

Thomas’ three decades in social work is an invaluable asset, Davison says.

“In addition to the sheer determination to not leave one stone unturned, she has a wealth of knowledge accumulated throughout her many years as a social worker,” Davison says. “Bonnie’s heartfelt dedication to people is something not seen in everyone. It’s special. Her power is her positivity and kindness.”

Thomas’ motivation is simple.

“I have a deep love and respect for human life and want to do all I can to assist individuals to live their life to the fullest,” she says.