Going Home: The Discharge Process
The day your physician has informed you of your discharge, there are many steps that occur before you can actually leave the hospital. First and foremost, there are several physicians caring for you during your stay. Each of them has to clear your discharge. This is one reason that may cause a delay in leaving. Also, there may be tests ordered on your last day of hospitalization that have to be completed and reported to your physician before you may be cleared for discharge. When it is time for your discharge from the Medical Center, your physician will write a discharge order. Your nurse will then arrange for a volunteer or transporter to escort you by wheelchair to your vehicle. You must have a family member or friend available to drive you home. During periods of high patient census, you may be escorted to a discharge lounge while you wait for transportation home.

Case Management
During your hospital stay, a Case Management Department representative may visit you to help plan for your discharge. Our staff can assist you with a variety of services including, but not limited to, home healthcare or private care, and medical supplies such as walkers and wheelchairs.

Our Case Management staff can assist with placement needs for rehabilitation or skilled nursing facilities (SNF) and can provide information on choosing a senior living community or assisted living facility, as well as information on many community resources.

If you would like to speak to a Case Management Department representative, please ask your nurse or call 561-745-5783.