Key Questions to Ask Before a Hospital Discharge

I’m a firm believer that in every avenue of life, you have to be your own best advocate. This is especially true when it comes to your healthcare. You can never ask too many questions about your healthcare, and that proactive approach will make a big difference during a hospital discharge. It’s better to feel like you’re asking “too many” questions than to leave confused or uncertain about your continued care. Here are some helpful questions to ask when it’s time to leave the hospital:

1. What does my insurance cover?

The hospital’s financial services and social work departments can help you understand what your insurance will cover, but it’s also important that you’re familiar with your plan and your deductible beforehand. The hospital can also work with you to create a payment plan, and you may qualify for financial aid.

1. How has my prognosis changed?

Ask your doctor about how your prognosis has changed since your procedure or surgery. Were there any complications during the treatment or did anything go wrong? Find out what typed of continuing care you’ll need, and ask what types of treatments will be administered at follow-up appointments.

1. How do I manage my care outside the hospital?

If you have a wound that needs dressing, for example, ask for specific instructions and a demonstration on how to keep the area clean. If a friend or family member will be helping you with care, make sure that they’re in the room when your doctor or nurse give instructions about at-home care.

1. Which warning signs might indicate a new health problem?

Ask your doctor about any signs to watch out for that your health is deteriorating. Make sure they explain which symptoms or responses to therapy are normal and which ones indicate a new health problem.

1. What kind of ongoing help can I expect?

Your case manager can help you understand what types of assistance are available to you at home, and can give referrals to companies that provide home health equipment. You may need to hire a home care company, look into a meal delivery service, or order medical equipment. However, if you’re being discharged at an odd hour, there may not be a case manager available to assist you. If that’s the case, ask the hospital about what other resources and personnel are available to help you.  Freedom Frogs can also connect you with vetted businesses that provide at-home care and medical equipment. If you need medical equipment, the FREE Medical Equipment Marketplace is a free listing service where individuals can donate or shop for free medical equipment.

If possible, ask a trusted friend or family member to be present during your discharge to make sure that you both understand what needs to be done in terms of medicines, follow-up appointments, and what warning signs to look out for, like excessive pain or fever. It always helps to have an extra person there to listen and ask questions.

Source:

12 Questions to Ask Before Discharge, by Lisa Esposito, U.S. News & World Report