End your hospital stay the right way

After a hospital stay, going home may feel like a relief-but there are still important steps to take for a safe recovery. Before you leave, it's important to understand your treatment plan and what comes next. Without that clarity, you could end up back in the hospital-a situation known as a hospital readmission.

Hospital readmissions can create emotional, physical, and financial challenges for patients and families. Common causes include confusion about discharge instructions, medication changes, difficulty scheduling follow-up care, and limited access to primary care providers. Additionally, frequent readmissions strain resources and drive up overall healthcare costs for everyone.

"The transition from hospital to home can be challenging for patients and families. Preparing for recovery can help reduce complications and avoid unnecessary readmissions," says Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Vice President of Medical Affairs Nicholas Massa, MD, CPC.

Understand your discharge plan

Before you leave the hospital, the care team will work with you to create a discharge plan. If needed, they can also help you identify and contact a caregiver who can support you once you're home.

Your discharge plan should include a clear checklist of instructions to follow during your recovery, such as:

• How to change your bandages
• Medical equipment (i.e., walker, oxygen, commode) you may need and how to use it
• Dates and times of follow-up appointments
• What types of activity you should and shouldn't do
• Symptoms to watch for and who to call if you have concerns

"The days and weeks after discharge are actually some of the most important for your recovery," says Crouse Health Chief of Medicine Viren Kaul, MD. "If something isn't clear, ask us to explain it again. The more confident you feel about your recovery plan, the better prepared you'll be at home."

Know your medications

Many preventable readmissions are linked to medication issues. Before you leave the hospital, your healthcare provider should review each of your medications with you. They can determine whether to replace or change any medications you were taking before. For every drug, make sure you understand:

• The name, dosage, and when and how to take it
• What the medication is for
• What to do if you miss a dose
• Common side effects

"It's easy to feel overwhelmed by new medications after a hospital stay," says Massa. "Getting clear answers about your medicines can make recovery feel more manageable-and help prevent return visits."

Once you arrive home

Even if you don't need hands-on help from a caregiver, make sure a friend or family member knows about your hospital stay and overall health. Don't hesitate to ask for support when you need it.

"Having someone who knows your situation can be incredibly helpful. They can assist with transportation, help manage appointments, or even make your home safer by removing tripping hazards and other obstacles," says Kaul.

Additional steps include:

• Fill new prescriptions right away and share your updated medication list with your primary care provider. This helps them spot potentially dangerous drug interactions or duplications. If you experience side effects or feel like the medication isn't working as expected, call your doctor.
• Follow up with your provider and any specialists within seven days of leaving the hospital. These appointments are important for managing the condition that led to your hospitalization and for catching any issues early before they become serious.

Extra support is available through your health plan

Case managers, including those available through health plans such as Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, can help patients understand their diagnosis, medications, warning signs, and next steps before they leave the hospital. Case managers can also help coordinate follow-up care, connect members to community resources, address barriers such as transportation or food insecurity, and provide ongoing support to help members access needed services. To learn more, call the number on your member ID card.

It can be tempting to jump back into your normal routine quickly. But taking these steps after a hospital stay can help you avoid complications, reduce stress and costs, and support a smoother recovery-in the comfort of your own home.

Contact:Edward Byrnes [email protected]