UF Health Shands Hospital Patient Guide: Going Home

DischargeWhen it’s time to be released from the hospital, your physician will authorize a hospital discharge. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you are completely well — it only means that you no longer need hospital services. If you disagree, you or your caregiver can appeal the decision.

Discharge

On the other hand, you may be pleased to learn that your doctor has approved your discharge. But before you can leave the hospital, there are several things that you or your caregiver must attend to.

The first step is to know who will be involved in your discharge process. This starts with the hospital’s discharge planner, who may be a nurse, social worker or may have some other title. You and your caregiver should meet this person relatively early in your hospital stay; if not, find out who this person is and be sure to meet with them well before your expected discharge date.

Billing and Insurance

Outpatient Services and Support

For Caregivers

If You Disagree with Your Discharge

You or a relative can appeal your doctor’s discharge decision. If you are a Medicare patient, be sure you are given “An Important Message from Medicare” from the hospital’s discharge planner or caseworker. This details your rights to remain in the hospital for care and provides information on whom to contact to appeal a discharge decision.

Your Opinion Counts

Soon after your discharge, an independent company may call you on behalf of UF Health to conduct a confidential patient satisfaction survey. Please take the time to speak with the representative and share your opinions about your hospital stay. Your feedback is an important part of our goal of improving the care and services we provide.