Patient Discharge

Day of Discharge

When your doctor decides you are ready to leave the hospital, a discharge order will be written. You may want to make arrangements with a family member or friend to help you when it's time to go home.

Whenever possible, your discharge will be confirmed the evening before it is scheduled to occur. Your physician, nurse and/or case manager will review the plans for the day of discharge and the anticipated discharge time. Don't hesitate to ask questions. Please plan to leave the hospital by 10 a.m. on discharge day, and make transportation arrangements in advance to ensure a timely departure. Hospital staff will assist you in acquiring medications and supplies, if needed. If you anticipate needing any help arranging for transportation after discharge, please talk to your case manager and/or nurse.

If your billing and insurance information is complete, it will not be necessary for you to stop at the billing office. If more information is needed or if payment is to be made, hospital staff or a volunteer can escort you to the cashier before you leave the hospital. Often a phone call is sufficient to supply additional information. When you are ready to leave, a member of the hospital staff or a volunteer will escort you to the front entrance and help you into your car.

Discharge Planning and Instructions

We want to make every effort to ensure a smooth transition for you to go home with or without home care, or care through an acute hospital, rehabilitation center or skilled nursing facility. Whenever possible, discharge plans begin as soon as you are admitted. During your stay, your physician and nurse will arrange for you to learn how to care for yourself at home.

When you are ready to be discharged, your doctor and your nurse will give you instructions about post-hospital care. If you have questions about your diet, activities or other matters, please be sure to ask at this time. If you choose to have prescriptions filled at the Bozeman Health Pharmacy at Highland Park, your nurse can fax your prescriptions to the pharmacy in advance so they are ready when you leave.

Personal Belongings

Be sure to take all your belongings. A nurse can suggest what disposable items used during your hospital care can be taken home. If you have placed valuables in the hospital safe, ask your nurse to arrange for them to be brought to you.

Transportation

Transportation for patients and visitors leaving the hospital is available through local cab companies. Your nurse or a volunteer at the Visitor Entrance Information Desk will assist patients and visitors with calling a taxi.

Pharmacy at Highland Park

Once a plan is completed for discharge, it is very common for new medication therapy to be prescribed for use following the hospitalization. You will find that our pharmacy is a very convenient location to use for filling these prescriptions. If you wish to use this pharmacy, your prescriptions can be sent to the pharmacy so they are ready for pickup as you depart the hospital. The pharmacy is located on the second floor of Highland Park 1.

Patient Satisfaction

We recognize that every patient has unique needs, and we strive to meet them with respect for your individuality and dignity. Your feedback about the care and service you received while in the hospital is important to us. If you receive a customer satisfaction survey in the mail after discharge, please fill it out and send it back. Your comments and recommendations will assist us in continuously improving our care.