Preparing for Discharge
When You Are Discharged Your physician determines when you are ready to be discharged. Your physician and nurse will give you discharge instructions and answer any questions you have about managing your treatment and medications once you are home. If you are confused or unsure about what you need to do, what medications you must take or if you have to restrict your diet or activities, don’t be afraid to ask and take notes. Be sure you understand
any instructions you have been given before you leave the hospital.
Going Home When your doctor feels that you are ready to leave the
hospital, he or she will authorize a hospital discharge. Please speak with your nurse about our discharge procedures. Here are few tips to make the discharge process
run smoothly: n Be sure you and/or your caregiver have spoken with a
case manager or social worker and that you understand what services you may need aſter leaving the hospital. (See “Don’t Leave Until…” on page 24 for more discharge advice.)
n Verify your discharge date and time with your nurse or doctor.
n Have someone available to pick you up. n Check your room, bathroom, closet and bedside table carefully for any personal items.
n Retrieve any valuables you have stored in the hospital safe. n Make sure you or your caregiver has all necessary paperwork for billing, referrals, prescriptions, etc.
n You may be required to settle your hospital bill in the Business Office prior to leaving the hospital.
What a Hospital Bill Covers Te hospital bill covers the cost of your room, meals, 24-hour nursing care, laboratory work, tests, medication, therapy and the services of hospital employees. You will receive a separate bill from your physicians for their professional services. If you have questions about these separate bills, please call the number printed on each statement. Te hospital is responsible for submitting bills to your
insurance company and will do everything possible to expedite your claim. You should remember that your policy is a contract between you and your insurance company and that you have the final responsibility for payment of your hospital bill.
Coordination of Benefits (COB) Coordination of Benefits, referred to as COB, is a term used by insurance companies when you are covered
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