What to do after a hospital stay

Keep up with these important reminders for a safe, smooth recovery at home.

At the end of a stay in the hospital, your care team will likely send you home with instructions. These are sometimes called “post-discharge” instructions, where post-discharge refers to your continued recovery after leaving the hospital. Following the doctor’s orders is especially important in your first 30 days back home.

Follow up with your primary care physician.

Schedule a follow-up doctor’s appointment as soon as the hospital recommended when you were discharged. This visit is essential for monitoring your recovery and updating your treatment plan. It's also a chance for you to voice any concerns and confirm you're on the right path to recovery.

Review medications with your primary care physician or pharmacist.

Bring your medications to your follow-up appointment. New medications may have been prescribed, or changes made to existing ones.

• Make sure your doctor or pharmacist reviews the medications you took during your stay and when you were discharged, to compare against your current medication list (include any over‑the‑counter drugs and supplements)
• Ask questions and request a printout of your new medication list and instructions to take home.

Following up and reviewing your medication list with your doctor can help you prevent health complications, and most importantly, have a smooth and safe recovery.

Sharp Direct Advantage is offered by Sharp Health Plan. Sharp Health Plan is an HMO with a Medicare contract. Enrollment with Sharp Health Plan depends on contract renewal. Read the full disclaimer.

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