The Hospital Discharge Process

UT Medical Center realizes that you are anxious to return home and will do its best to finalize your discharge as soon as possible. Before you can leave, several steps must take place to ensure accurate completion of your medical chart.

• The Discharge Process
  The discharge process begins with a written order from your doctor. After this order is written and given to the nurse, discharge arrangements will be made. Discharge arrangements may include obtaining written prescriptions, arranging for continued care at home and talking with other physicians involved in your care to ensure everything is in order before you leave. Sometimes this can take several hours from the time your primary doctor writes the discharge order. It may be necessary for a family member to visit the Cashier’s Office on the first floor if financial information is not complete.
  When all necessary steps are taken, the nurse will provide discharge instructions and assist you by arranging transportation to your car. Before you leave, remember to check your room carefully for any personal belongings.
• Transportation Home
  Patients should make arrangements for transportation home. When you are ready to leave, an attendant or family member may escort you in a wheelchair and see that you get safely into your car.
• Care at Home
  After you leave the hospital, you may need the short-term care of a home care nurse, physical therapist or other medical professional. UT Medical Center’s Home Care Services offers a variety of special services within the comfort of your home. This is a service that combines home recovery under the guidance of a physician with the same kind of skilled care that is delivered in the hospital.
• UT Home Care Services is licensed to serve patients in 16 counties in Tennessee. UT Home Care Services has offices in Knox County, Anderson County, Jefferson County, Loudon County and Sevier County. For additional information, call 305.6200 or 800.284.8224.
• Patient Satisfaction
  Once you are home, you may be sent a patient satisfaction survey, which you are urged to fill out and send back. This survey measures patient satisfaction and enables the hospital to provide patients with the very best healthcare.