Discharge and Going Home

Your doctor will determine when you are ready to be discharged from the hospital. He or she will write your discharge order and, along with other members of your team, will provide instructions about continuing care and recovery at home.

The time to start thinking about planning for your discharge is when you are admitted to the hospital. When you are admitted, you will receive a bright yellow information "Admission to Discharge" folder.  Please keep this near your bed and use it to store the materials you receive, including the patient guide, hospital information, discharge and medication information, and physician/healthcare team business cards. 

Your nurse or patient care coordinator will help you plan for discharge, including:

  • Arrange placement at a skilled nursing facility or rehabilitation facility to continue your care
  • Set up home nursing services if you need them
  • Arrange delivery of medical equipment-such as a wheelchair, walker or oxygen
  • Understand your insurance benefit for post-discharge services

Speak with your nurse or patient care coordinator if you have concerns about returning to your living situation without additional assistance.

We try to discharge you by 11 am. If that is not possible, your doctor or nurse will tell you your discharge time.

Discharge Instructions and your After Visit Summary

Your doctor or nurse will give you detailed instructions about your post-hospital care. You will receive written discharge instructions and an After Visit Summary to help you better understand and remember what your providers discussed with you in the hospital. 

  • If you have questions about diet, medicines or other activities after discharge, please be sure to ask.
  • We can provide your discharge instructions in languages other than English; just ask.
  • If you still have questions once you are home, you can call the nursing station on your unit to speak with a member of your patient care team.

MyChart

Your After Visit Summary will have a code to activate MyChart, a free, secure online health tool that lets you view parts of your medical record. With MyChart you can renew prescriptions; request appointments; and access most laboratory and test results, medical history, billing and insurance information and other health topics. Ask a staff member for a MyChart brochure.

The hospital does not provide discharge transportation, so speak with your family and nurse before discharge to coordinate your ride. Your transition home will be easier if you have your clothes, keys to your home and someone to help you.

If you are being discharged after an outpatient procedure, you will not be allowed to drive yourself home and should make transportation arrangements ahead of time.

In most cases, your physician will prescribe one or more medications for you to take or use at home. York Street Campus and Saint Raphael Campus both offer inpatient prescription services. 

  • You should fill these prescriptions promptly after leaving the hospital and follow your physician's instructions closely.
  • The Saint Raphael Campus has an outpatient pharmacy called the Apothecary and Wellness Center for patients and visitors at Yale New Haven Hospital 

Prescription Assistance Program

Some patients may be eligible for prescription discounts through the YNHH Prescription Assistance Program. This program is available to qualified YNHH patients – regardless of whether or not you have health insurance or pharmacy benefits. The prescription must be written by a YNHH provider and filled at the Walgreens Pharmacy at 55 Park Street. For more information, call 203-777-7809.

Learn more about our prescription assistance program

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This account is not monitored 24/7, is not reviewed by a medical professional nor does it create a doctor-patient relationship. Medical emergency? Please dial 9-1-1.
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