Your parent is in the hospital. Here's your job right now.

Ten questions for the discharge planner

A nurse or social worker called a “discharge planner” will plan the going-home. These are your questions — take this list with you.

1. What is the main diagnosis — in plain words?
2. Which medications are NEW, and which old ones STOP?
3. Was home health ordered? Which agency — name and phone number?
4. When is the follow-up appointment? (Within 7 days is the goal — ask them to book it before discharge.)
5. What equipment is ordered (walker, oxygen, hospital bed), and when does it arrive?
6. What exactly should we watch for — and who do we call when we see it?
7. Are there diet or activity limits, in writing?
8. Who handles the paperwork for Medicare, insurance, or the VA?
9. Is therapy ordered (physical, occupational, speech)? Where and when?
10. Who do I call at THIS hospital if something goes wrong this week?

If it feels too soon to go home

On Medicare, you have the right to a fast, free review of a discharge decision. The hospital gave you (or must give you) a paper called the “Important Message from Medicare” — it has a phone number for a group called the QIO. Calling does not interrupt the care your parent is already getting, and it costs nothing. Saying “I don't think this discharge is safe yet, and I'd like to appeal” is allowed, normal, and taken seriously.

This page is general education, not legal or medical advice. Your hospital's own paperwork governs.

When discharge day comes

Build the 72-hour checklist in one tap — it picks up exactly where this page leaves off.