About Us - Our Clinicians & Staff - Case Management Specialists, Inc.

Our Case Managers possess clinical expertise and a wellness philosophy that enables us to look at the big picture when making recommendations or offering choices and options. Anticipating future health care services based on past experiences and medical knowledge helps the case manager offer appropriate, cost effective alternatives today. All of our clinical staff have been trained in motivational interviewing to facilitate positive changes in health care behaviors.

Diane Phipps - RN-BC, BSN, MBA, CCM (President/Case Manager) Diane has been a registered nurse since 1981. Prior to specializing in case management, Diane worked in the acute care setting and long term care, as a home care consultant for a durable medical equipment company, and as a medical malpractice consultant for a law firm. Diane has been a case manager since 1991, earning her national certification in case management in 1993. As a case manager, Diane specializes in catastrophic case management of critically-ill medical and surgical patients. In 1997, Diane completed her MBA. Diane founded CMS in 2000, and continues to provide case management services along with her administrative responsibilities. Diane earned her board certification in nursing case management (RN-BC) in August 2010.

Lori - RNC, BSN (Nurse Case Manager) Lori has been a registered nurse since 1982 with a focus on maternal/child health, wellness programs and disease management. Her experience includes medical/surgical nursing, labor and delivery, high risk obstetrical home care, prenatal education, utilization review, case management and disease management services. Lori has also served as the Wellness Director of an assisted living residence. Lori received her certification for Ambulatory Women’s Health Care Nursing from NCC (The National Corporation for the Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing Specialties) in 1992. Lori has been with CMS since May, 2002.

Margie - RN, BSN (Nurse Case Manager) Margie has been a registered nurse since 1986. She began her case management career in 1991 after practicing for four years in the acute hospital setting on various specialty units, including acute inpatient rehab and spinal cord injury units. Margie has performed case management and review services for group health insurance, workers compensation, and automobile liability cases. She also has experience as a care manager in the Disease Management arena. Margie joined CMS in May, 2005.

Kelly - RN, BSN (Nurse Case Manager) Kelly has been a registered nurse since 1996. She has administrative experience in various clinical settings as well as practice experience in: acute care, medical surgical nursing, wound care and residential care and administration. In addition Kelly has performed case management, staff development and coaching, quality assurance and state/federal regulation implementation. Kelly received her Resident Assessment Coordinator Certification in 2007. Kelly joined CMS in July, 2008.

Beth – PT (Rehabilitation Case Manager) Beth graduated from Marquette University in 1994 and has worked with a variety of patient populations. She has 15 years of practical experience in subacute care, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient therapy, wound care, assisted living facilities and senior independent apartments. Beth has over four years experience as a physical therapy consultant performing medical reviews for a prominent government agency. In addition, Beth has supervisory experience in various clinical settings. Beth joined CMS in November 2010.

Julie - RN (Nurse Case Manager) Julie has been a registered nurse since 1976. She has extensive experience with case management, discharge planning and utilization review. Julie has experience working with diverse populations and cultures. She has provided case management for all age groups monitoring the full spectrum of patient needs and services from outpatient to inpatient, acute rehabilitation, skilled nursing facilities, home care and hospice. Julie joined CMS in May, 2011.

Kathy – RN, BSN (Nurse Case Manager) Kathy has been a registered nurse since 1988. She has nursing experience in disease management: educating and supporting patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and respiratory problems, providing health information on conditions, interventions and prevention strategies in order to assist patients in achieving their health objectives and goals. She earned her Chronic Care Professional Certification and become a Certified Intrinsic Coach in 2008. Kathy joined CMS in June, 2011.

Our Staff

Marie - (Office Manager). Prior experience, since 1997, includes appointment coordinator and insurance control account auditor for a large clinic in northern Wisconsin, senior network service representative for a chiropractic network, office coordinator for a chiropractic office and a provider relations specialist. Marie joined CMS in May, 2006.

Lisa - (Account Executive) Lisa serves as an account executive to assist with business development and account relationships. She has worked in the medical management field since 1996. She holds a degree in international studies and marketing. Lisa joined CMS in February, 2005.