Leaving the Hospital

Have you just been discharged from the hospital? Do you need help with what to do next? Every day matters during recovery.

Getting well after your hospital stay is important. But, sometimes, people end up back in the hospital soon after they leave. This is called a readmission. Readmissions can happen for a lot of reasons. By taking some simple steps, you may be able to stay healthy and out of the hospital. Keystone First Community HealthChoices is here to help Participants stay healthy after their hospital stay.

Before you leave the hospital

Getting ready before you leave the hospital can help you get better faster. Just follow these easy tips:

• Tell your nurse where you plan to go after you leave the hospital.
• Make sure you understand your discharge instructions. Take them with you when you leave the hospital.
• Know who to call if you have questions.
• Get a list of the medicines you will need to take at home.
• Make sure you have a prescription for each medicine you need to take. You will need to give this to the pharmacist.

Just out of the hospital?

Here's what you should do next:

• See your doctor within 7 days. Write down your questions for the doctor before you go. Take your questions and discharge papers to your appointment.
• If you have a care manager, service coordinator or care coordinator, check in often. Your nurse care manager will help you after you leave the hospital.
• Follow the directions for taking your medicine.
• Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about your medicines.
• Stick to your recovery plan.