DISCHARGE

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WHAT TO EXPECT:

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1. Your discharge planning and discussion should start on your first day in the hospital.

2. 20% of patients have something go wrong after discharge.  Good discharge education is critical to your healing.

3. Patients who don’t fully understand their plan for care after discharge are 30% more likely to have to be re-admitted. The government estimates $12 billion in preventable readmission costs.

4. Doctors and nurses should talk to you about what help you have and will need once you are home.

5. You should receive written instructions about symptoms or problems to watch for after going home.  The best hospitals give you a packet of information about your diagnosis, not just the billing information.

6. Expect a follow up phone call 24-72 hours after discharge.  Use this call to ask questions and ensure you understand your education.

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YOUR ROLE:

1. As questions come to mind, write them down so you are ready when you get the follow-up call.

2. Let us and them know who did a great job.

3. Let us and them know who could do a better job.

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WILLINGNESS TO RECOMMEND

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WHAT TO EXPECT: 

1. If our doctors, nurses and staff did not provide care you can recommend, the hospital is not doing a good job.

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YOUR ROLE:

1. Let them know so they can fix it before you go home.