I realized there is something I forgot to mention in my last blogs. It is important to write down any information you receive and who gives it to you. Make sure to get doctor’s, nurses, administrators, ancillary support persons and insurance representatives names. You can get a small notebook and write all the information in it. When you can refer to a specific conversation and give the person’s name, it will make a difference in getting needed action. What you will discover is there can be conflicting information when the same question is asked. So always have a pen and paper.
DISCHARGE PLANNING
Discharge planning starts from the moment of admission. Hospital and insurance companies dictate that there is a specific course of treatment and discharge not be prolonged. Until a clear picture of the medical diagnosis and treatment are available, it can seem as if the world is spinning out of control. Tests are ordered, doctors are visiting, medications are being given and it is hard to keep pace.
- Immediately find out who does the discharge planning. Is it a nurse, social worker, discharge planner or case manager. (Again, write names down.)
- Make the discharge planner your best friend. Let them know you want to be involved in every discussion and would like daily updates.
- A patient cannot be discharged without a credible plan in place. This means, if a subacute rehab, nursing home or assisted living placement is required, it must be done before discharge. It also means a patient cannot be sent home to an unsafe situation. A plan must be created before the discharge for a safe home environment. It all sounds logical and reasonable but I have seen people discharged with no real plan in place.
- If placement in another facility is needed, and you have no idea of what is available,ask for a list of area facilities. You can go on the web and get information or call. Speak with the intake person. You can go to www.medicare.gov for nursing home and assisted living ratings. Each state has a rating also on their state website.
- Before leaving the hospital, get a copy of the medical records. At the least, a copy of the medications and discharge plan.
- Medicare pays for 100 days of subacute care facility.
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I think your post was secretly a strong start to a potential series of write ups about this topic. Most users act like they understand what they are talking about when it comes to this area and really, hardly anyone actually get it. You seem to understand it though, so I think you ought to take it and run. Thank you!