Discharge Planning
Discharge planning begins the day you come
to the Medical Center. However, patients are
not discharged until they are ready to move
on to the next level of care. Keep in mind
that this Medical Center is an acute care
facility whose function is to get you safely
through the first phase of your illness.
After that other less costly convalescent
settings may be indicated such as a skilled
nursing facility or home care.
Social
Service
Our Social Service Department assists,
without charge, any patient or family who
may have personal, family or financial
problems that arise out of illness. The
social service worker is aware of the
various resources for help in the community
and will assist in finding a nursing
facility, arrange for home visits or locate
other services needed by the patient. Your
physician or nurse may arrange for a social
service worker to visit with you, or you and
your family may request a visit from the
hospital social worker at any time.
Utilization Review
Government regulations and contracts through
insurance and accreditation bodies have
stated that every approved hospital must
have a utilization review committee. The
committee must review all inpatient cases to
assure that they are appropriate for care in
an acute care hospital such as Meadville
Medical Center and do not remain in the
hospital for a longer amount of time than
necessary for care of their medical
problems. This makes it very important that
you leave on the day that you are
discharged. Your insurance will not pay for
the days you remain in the hospital after
your physician has discharged you. Questions
regarding utilization review may be directed
to the Social Service Department.
Going Home
Before leaving, be sure to...
- gather all personal belongings, including
valuables left in the hospital safe.
- check with your nurse who will explain any
prescriptions, appointments or follow-up
outpatient procedures your physician has
arranged for you
- ask any questions you may have about your
illness or your follow-up care
- understand discharge medication orders
- understand any instructions you're given.
This may include items such as diet,
exercise, changes to school or work,
changing of dressings, and follow-up visits.
- share any special needs so that you will
receive any follow-up care or special
equipment you may need.
Leaving
the Hospital
Discharge time is usually 11 a.m. After your
physician authorizes your discharge from the
Medical Center, you or a member of your
family should obtain a discharge slip from
the nursing station. The slip is to be
presented to the cashier on the main floor
near the lobby. You will be escorted out of
the hospital via wheelchair by one of our
staff.
At some point after your hospital stay, you
may be asked to complete a patient
satisfaction survey about your hospital
stay. It's important that you complete the
survey and provide honest feedback about
your hospital experience. Helping to
identify what areas could be improved upon
is still another way you can become active
in your health care.
Transitional
Care Unit
The Transitional Care Unit is designed for
patients who no longer need acute care but
still require additional short-term care
before discharge. Rehabilitation and
specialized nursing care are emphasized.
Home Care
The Visiting Nurse Association of Crawford
County, Inc. makes "house calls" after your
hospital stay when skilled care is needed in
the home. Nursing care; physical, speech and
occupational therapy; medical social
services; personal care provided by
certified home health aides; and nutritional
counseling is furnished by professionals in
the home while promoting independence.
Services must be deemed medically necessary
and ordered by your physician. Contact your
nurse or social worker to discuss home care.
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Admission Policy
You Have a Choice
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Accommodations
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Team
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and Nutrition Services
For Your Safety and
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Business Office
Discharge
Planning/Going Home
Patient Rights
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