SECTION I: Be Involved in Your Healthcare - Being Admitted to the Hospital

Help your healthcare professional help you. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about your healthcare.
What Can You Do?

  The following tips help make your care safe and lead to the results you want.  
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What Should I Do If I Am Admitted to the Hospital?

Medications/Allergies -Tell the doctor and nurse about the medicines you are taking. If you have allergies, tell everyone (doctor, nurse) about your allergies.
- Make sure you have an armband with that information on it.
- Make sure your allergies are written on your chart.

Living Will -If you are being admitted to the hospital and have a living will or durable power of attorney for healthcare, bring it with you--otherwise, be prepared to complete one at the hospital.
Doctor - Your doctor may work at more than one hospital. Make sure their hospital is covered by your insurance. Insurance - In some cases, your health insurance plan has already pre-selected the hospitals you can use and may not offer you a choice of hospitals. For more about insurance, click here

Hand Hygiene - Speak with your caregiver about hand washing.
-Hand washing is one of the most important ways to prevent the spread of infections in hospitals.
-Be sure to wash your hands and have your visitors wash their hands.

 Leaving the Hospital - Have a family member or friend come early on the day of discharge to pick you up--they can help you understand discharge instructions and ask questions.

Discharge from the Hospital - Ask your doctor about:

-Treatment plan you will use at home. -Learn about your medicines.
-If you were taking medications prior to being in the hospital, make sure you understand what medicines you should keep taking. -Find out when you can get back to your regular activities.
Ask questions - Asking questions will help you understand your care

For more information about If I Am Admitted to the Hospital, click here

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