You are in the Hospital! Now What?
You find yourself or your loved one in the hospital. It’s emotional and overwhelming. So what is the first thing you do?
GET A PATIENT ADVOCATE!
Ok no big surprise at that response, right? But let’s go through some other very basic necessities
-Have list of current diagnosis, medications/supplements (including name, specific dosage, when you take it, how long you have been taking it) with you
Here are some question that you need answers to:
-What tests are being given?
-What can these tests tell you/me?
-What medications are being given now?
-What are these medications for specifically?
-Have any pre-hospitalization medications been discontinued?
-Am I being officially admitted into the hospital?
-What is my diagnosis?
-Will you contact my primary care physician?
-I would like to discuss my discharge?, eldercare
Yes, that’s right I said discuss your discharge. Your safe and healthy discharge should be on your care team’s minds the moment you’re admitted. You don’t want any surprises. You should have input and understanding of your health goals. Yes, you want to get the heck out of the hospital! Make sure you are on track to leave with all the steps to make a full recovery to your healthy self.
There is so much more to do and know but this is to get you started and thinking. But really do call a professional healthcare coordinator and advocate.