Going Home
When it's time for you to leave our hospital, we want to make sure you're prepared for a successful recovery. Take a look at the list below to make sure you've thought of everything, and call your doctor if you have any questions once you've returned home.
Before you leave the hospital, an order for your dismissal must be written by your physician. Your nurse may refer you to the Business Office so that you will be properly cleared to go home. Many of the steps in this discharge process can be eliminated if you see a Business Office representative to arrange for a courtesy discharge. A courtesy discharge can be arranged before you are admitted, at the time of admission, or while you are in the hospital, before the day of discharge.
An important part of your recovery is making sure that after you leave the hospital you get the care you need to get better. A nurse, social worker or discharge planner will help plan your follow-up care. If no one is assigned to help you with your discharge plan, tell your doctor or nurse. If you have trouble understanding the language being used, you should be provided with translated documents or an interpreter. If you have trouble hearing, you should ask for instructions in writing.
All patients will be given important directions about their follow-up care, including written instructions. If you follow these directions, you will have a greater chance of getting well faster. You are also less likely to need to go back to the hospital, and maximize your chance for the best possible recovery.
Discharge Checklist
Things to bring:
- continuing care instructions from your nurse and doctor
- personal items
- items you received while at the hospital
- valuables you deposited in the hospital's safe
- medications being held at the pharmacy
Things to do:
- Let your nurse know where you'd like packages and mail forwarded.
- Visit the cashier to make payment arrangements and pay any charges not covered by your insurance.