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Discharge

Discharge

A case manager will begin to review your case on admission to determine the best discharge plan for your recovery. As your health care team monitors your progress, they will keep you or your designated representative informed about your readiness for discharge. On the day your doctor determines you are ready to leave, they will write a discharge order, and you will need to be picked up within 2 hours.

Before you leave, your healthcare team will provide information needed for your continued recovery at home. If you have questions about your medications, next doctor’s appointment, or recovery expectations, please discuss these with your nurse.

Discharge Medications

Your prescribed medications are available for pick-up at the Discharge Pharmacy, located on the first floor of the hospital. Please be prepared to provide identification, such as your medical record number, Kaiser card, or driver’s license, at the time of pick-up. Note that the medications available may not include all the medications you are supposed to be taking, as some may already be with you at home. We will ask your accompanying family member or friend to assist in collecting these medications. If you are driving yourself home, the hospital transporter will escort you to the discharge pharmacy to pick up your medications. If you need refills, please ask your Primary Care Provider

Follow-Up After Discharge

If follow-up with your provider is needed, we will arrange for a follow-up appointment on the day of your discharge or ensure that your provider’s office contacts you. Usually, your provider will want to see you within one to two weeks, although the exact timeframe may vary depending on your specific health needs.

Home Health Care

Only if homebound, you may require additional care from our Home Health team after leaving the hospital.  This could include services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or nursing. If home health care is ordered, you will receive a phone call from the department within 48 hours of your discharge to schedule your home visit.

Skilled Nursing Facility

If you meet the criteria for this level of care, a case manager will discuss the next steps with you and assist in making the necessary arrangements. Your stay’s duration will depend on your progress and recovery, and you should plan for your eventual discharge from the skilled nursing facility and return home.

Recovery Timeframe

Recovery time varies for each individual. A general rule of thumb is that recovery may take as long as the duration of the illness leading up to your hospital stay. You might need more rest than usual and may not have the endurance for strenuous activities initially. If your symptoms worsen, it could indicate a relapse, an issue with new medications, or a new health problem. In such cases, contact your doctor or an advice nurse.