What is M.P. Shah Hospital’s Discharge Process?

When you’re first admitted to the hospital, leaving may not be the first thing on your mind — but it soon will be. After all, no one wants to stay in the hospital longer than needed. We get that. So from the very start, you’ll hear us mention “discharge planning” — the preparation for your transition out of the hospital. At M.P. Shah Hospital, we want you to know what to expect from the time you walk in our door until you head out. It’s all a part of how we help make your stay and recovery as smooth as possible.

Managing your care

While you’re with us, you’ll be talking daily with your healthcare providers (you may hear us call these “plan of care visits” or POCVs). We’ll talk with you during these visits about how your treatment is going. We can also answer your questions, go over the next steps and try to figure out how many days you may need to stay in the hospital.

Our registered nurses, social workers and case managers are also here to support you and your family. Throughout your visit, they’ll answer questions about your care and help with other issues like:

• Working with your insurance provider
• Ways to manage your medications
• How to set up advanced directives like a living will and healthcare power of attorney
• Connecting you to community resources

This team can also help you get ready to leave the hospital. If you or your family would like to speak to a social worker or case manager about discharge plans, please ask your nurse.

Preparing to Leave the Hospital

On the day you leave the hospital, we’ll try to have you ready to leave by noon after your provider gives you discharge paperwork. But we’ll first make sure you’re feeling well enough to go. We’ll talk about your ride and where you’re going to recover, whether at home or another care facility.

• If you’re going home, it’s important that you choose a family member or friend as your Pick-Up Person (PUP) at least a day before your planned discharge. Plan to have them arrive at the hospital by 11 a.m. on the day you’re discharged.
• If you don’t have an available PUP, you may be charged for your ride. But we’ll partner with you to find the best option for transportation, whether it’s through your insurance or directly with a transport company.

It’s also important to have all plans in place before you go. We want to be sure you have a way to leave safely.