Checklist for Discharge

Make sure you have the following information before you leave the hospital.

Discharge Summary

This includes why you were in the hospital, who cared for you and your procedures and medicines.

Medicine List

This includes all your new and former prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements. Ask if there are any medicines you can stop taking or that are not okay to take together. Also make sure you know why, how and when to take each one.

Prescriptions

Discuss your new prescriptions with your health care provider and verify your preferred prescription provider.  

Follow-Up Care Instructions

Beyond medicine, these can include:

• foods or activities to avoid
  
• tests or appointments
  
• how to care for incisions or use equipment
  
• warning signs to watch for
  
• daily living adjustments (like how to get into bed)
  
• who to call with questions
  

After-Hospital Services

Know how much support you'll need in these areas:

• personal care, like bathing, eating, dressing, toileting
  
• home care, like cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping
  
• health care, like taking your medicines, doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, wound care, injections, medical equipment
  

Local Resources

Ask your discharge planner for help finding local local support groups or other after-care services.

Get Copies

You can request copies of your medical records and test results before you leave. To get a copy of your medical records, complete an Authorization for Release of Information form pursuant to HIPAA. Pick up a form on any medical unit or in the Correspondence Office of the Health Information Management Department, which is located on the ground floor of the hospital. The Correspondence Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for walk-in requests, or you may call the office directly at (516) 256-6123 to speak with a representative or leave a voicemail message. Please note that there may be a cost to obtain these records.