How to Take Charge of Your Hospital Discharge
June 09, 2022 | Tags:
While being discharged from the hospital is a relief, what comes next can feel like a whirlwind. Continuation of care at home may seem overwhelming. Having the right information can ease the transition and help keep you from being readmitted to the hospital.
Essential steps to prepare for your hospital discharge
When it comes to the discharge process, having a caregiver or trusted advocate present at the time of discharge is crucial. Here are some things you should do to make sure the transition is efficient:
- Review the details of the discharge instructions provided by the hospital.
- Ensure the discharge instructions are clear and appropriate for your specific health condition.
- Record the contact phone numbers for the hospital, relevant providers and the medical records department.
When it comes to prescriptions, the hospital is required to reconcile a patient’s medications before they are discharged. Simply put, the hospital should provide you with a comprehensive list of your medications. You or your caregiver should also confirm receiving a copy of the medication reconciliation and that any necessary prescriptions were issued.
How to keep your primary care provider informed after a hospital stay
Another key to continuing a high standard of care after you leave the hospital is coordinating with your primary care provider (PCP) and any relevant specialists within 30 days of being discharged. Your PCP is the healthcare provider that knows you best and building a trusted relationship with them and their team can be a positive influence on your healthcare long term. Be sure the hospital sends your discharge information to your PCP so they’re aware of current changes to your health. Also ask for a copy of the discharge summary for your own personal records. This includes access to your electronic records as well.
If you do not have a PCP, Medical Mutual can help. Use our Find a Provider tool on My Health Plan to find one in your plan’s network or call the Customer Care number listed on your member ID card.
Where to find support and resources after leaving the hospital
Once you’ve left the hospital, your focus is on the future – and recovery – but it’s important to have a plan just in case a health emergency arises. Know which hospital or emergency department you’ll go to, and how you’ll get there, in the event you cannot reach your PCP.
Medical Mutual’s Clinical Ambassador Relationship Experience program, known as MedMutual CARE, provides direct access to a dedicated team of nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to coordinate your care and provide support on your health journey. Medical Mutual members can call the Customer Care number listed on their member ID card to speak to their dedicated MedMutual CARE team.
Additional resources are available to help your healthcare journey after being discharged. Findhelp.org provides free assistance for connecting people with available resources in their community. They offer support for food pantries and meal programs as well as help with finding housing, transit, financial assistance, health care and more.