Sharing the long journey to recovery

DUSTIN BINGHAM :: Anthem member, Torrington, Connecticut

ROBIN CHEGINI :: Anthem nurse care manager, North Haven, Connecticut

In December 2003, Dustin Bingham celebrated his graduation from a California university with a ski trip.

After a few runs down the mountain, Dustin misjudged a jump and tumbled, suffering a severe head injury in the fall. He was rushed to a small hospital nearby, and then airlifted to a larger acute-care medical facility. There he was diagnosed with an intracranial hemorrhage. The injury caused his brain to swell and left him in a coma.

Several days after he was admitted to the hospital, Robin Chegini, R.N., an Anthem nurse care manager, called Dustin’s mother. Robin, like all Anthem nurse care managers, is part of the Health Care Management program that helps members with complex needs.

“Brain injury rehabilitation can be very complex,” Robin said. “Having an intimate rapport with the member and family, as well as the treating team, is crucial to achieving the optimal outcome.”

When Dustin awoke in early January 2004, after 15 days in a coma, Robin coordinated his transportation from the California hospital to a brain injury rehabilitation center in his home state of Connecticut.

There, with the support of his family and Robin, Dustin began intensive occupational, speech and physical therapy.

“Robin would remind me to keep my doctor’s appointments, and she knew when to scold me,” Dustin said. “She pushed me to do more, reminding me that I would not recover if I didn’t stay the course.”

After he had sufficiently recovered, Dustin opted to settle in California. He is currently attending graduate school, pursuing a degree in business administration.

“I would not be where I am today without Robin,” Dustin said. “I feel like I am winning at the game of life. Robin is a big part of that.”

 

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