As part of your health care team, it is our goal to make your discharge from the hospital as efficient as possible for you and your family.
While you are in the hospital:
- Ask questions about what you will need to know to take care of yourself, an infant, child or family member at home
- If a family member is going to help you at home, ask that person to come to the hospital so the nurses can show him or her what to do
- Tell your nurse about any special things you might need at home to take care of yourself, infant, child or family members
- Learn about your medications. Understand what your medications are for and any possible side effects. If you have any questions about the medicines ordered for you, ask for the unit pharmacist
The day before you go home:
- After discussions with your care team, make transportation arrangements for the day of your discharge. Tell your nurse what arrangements have been made
- Ask questions you or your family might still have about taking care of yourself, an infant, child or family member at home
- Ask your family or a friend to start taking some of your personal items home such as extra clothes, flowers and cards. This will give you less to worry about on the day you go home
- Discuss with the physician or nurse what you will need for home care, such as medications, equipment or supplies so that prescriptions can be written for items you will need at home
During discharge:
- Your doctor and/or nurse will remind you how to take care of yourself, an infant, child or family member at home
- You will receive an appointment time or will be given information about making an appointment to come back to see your doctor
- Hospital staff will take you to the main entrance when your transportation arrives
- If you are given any prescriptions upon discharge, they can be filled at the pharmacy of your choice
Meds to Beds prescription delivery:
If you choose to participate in the discharge prescription delivery service, the pharmacy will deliver new prescription medications to your room before you leave the hospital. The pharmacy works with your medical team to ensure all insurance prior authorizations and high-dollar copays are addressed before you leave the hospital and will also see if you qualify for other manufacturer assistance programs. Delivery service is available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Most major prescription insurance plans are accepted. For your convenience, pharmacy charges will be billed to you after discharge.
When you get home:
- You will be sent home with a discharge instruction sheet (After Visit Summary). Your nurse will go over this with you to make sure you and your family understand what you can and cannot do when you are home
- You may be sent home with a medication list. This list will include medications you were taking prior to your hospitalization and should continue taking, as well as any new medications that have been prescribed for you. We will send information sheets home with you about any new medications you may be taking (for example, antibiotics, pain medication, etc.)
- If you were given a number to call to make an appointment, call as soon as you can
- You will also receive a phone call and/or a satisfaction survey after your discharge to provide an opportunity to ask questions or give feedback
- Allow yourself time to heal and recover. It is normal to experience some discomfort during the healing process. If, however, you should feel pain that is different or becomes more severe as compared to that in the hospital, please call your doctor’s office