When it’s time to be discharged from the hospital, your physician will authorize a hospital discharge. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you are completely well—it only means that you no longer need hospital services. If you disagree, you or your caregiver can appeal the decision (see If You Disagree).

On the other hand, you may be pleased to learn that your physician has approved your discharge. But before you can leave the hospital, there are several things that you or your caregiver must attend to.

The first step is to know who will be involved in your discharge process. In most cases, this starts with the hospital’s case manager who may be a nurse, administrator, or may have some other title. You and your caregiver should meet this person relatively early in your hospital stay if additional assistance will be needed after discharge; if not, find out who this person is and be sure to meet with him or her well before your expected discharge date.

1. Discharge. This is an overview of why you were in the hospital, which healthcare professionals saw you, what procedures were done, and what medications were prescribed.

2. Medications list. This is a listing of what medications you are taking, why, in what dosage, and who prescribed them. Having a list prepared by the hospital is a good way to double-check the information you should already have been keeping track of.

3. Rx. A prescription for any medications you need may be submitted electronically directly to your pharmacy. Be sure to fill your prescriptions promptly so you don’t run out of needed medications.

4. Follow-up care instructions. Make sure you have paperwork that tells you: 

• what, if any, dietary restrictions you need to follow and for how long
• what kinds of activities you can and can’t do, and for how long
• how to properly care for any injury or incisions you may have
• what follow-up tests you may need and when you need to schedule them 
• what medicines you must take, why, and for how long 
• when you need to see your physician 
• any other home-care instructions for your caregiver, such as how to get you in and out of bed, how to use and monitor any equipment, and what signs and symptoms to watch out for 
• telephone numbers to call if you or your caregiver has any questions pertaining to your after-hospital care 

5. Other services. When you leave the  hospital, you may need to spend time in a rehabilitation facility, skilled nursing facility, or other institution. Or you may need to schedule tests at an imaging center, have treatments at a cancer center, or have in-home therapy. Be sure to speak with your nurse, physician, or case manager to get all the details you need before you leave. 

6. Community resources. You and your caregiver may feel unprepared for what will happen after your discharge. Your case manager can provide you with information about local resources, such as agencies that can provide services like transportation, equipment, home care, and respite care.

7. Personal belongings. Please be sure to take all personal belongings with you upon discharge from the hospital. If you’ve had items secured in the safe, please request these items prior to discharge.