We begin planning for your discharge as soon as you are admitted to Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Needham. Your doctor determines when you are ready to leave the hospital and what type of follow-up medical care you will need. Your physician and your nurse will work closely with you and your family throughout your hospitalization to monitor your progress and plan for your discharge. At the time of discharge, your physician will arrange follow-up visits, prescriptions and instructions for post-hospital care. If you require post-hospital care, a case manager or social worker assigned to you will meet with you to assess your needs. Here are some questions you may want to think about before you leave:

  • Do you need a primary care physician?
  • When should you make the necessary follow-up appointments and with which of your physicians?
  • What number can I call if I have problems when I get home?
  • How will you be getting home?
  • What new medications do you require?
  • What diet should you follow at home?
  • Will you need ongoing care at home after discharge?
  • Will you need any medical equipment and if so who will arrange for this? What is the name of the provider of the equipment? 
  • What activities are you allowed to do and from what sorts of activity should you refrain? Where can you get help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, cooking shopping, housework and transportation? 
  • What support groups or community services are available to you?
  • What are your insurance benefits for the services you require?

Our Case Management Department is ready to assist you in planning for your discharge. Our physician referral service is also available to refer you to a member of the medical staff. Please call 781-453-3700 to connect with this service.