Patient Guide 
Key Information for Your Stay
Checklist for Discharge

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Checklist for Discharge

When it’s time to be released from the hospital, your doctor will authorize a hospital discharge. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you are completely well—it only means that you no longer need hospital services. 

Once your doctor tells you that you can leave, all other doctors who have also seen you must agree that you can leave as well. Please be patient as this process may take several hours. While you are waiting, gather any valuables you have stored in the hospital safe and check your bathroom, closet and bedside table for personal items. Once completed, you will be escorted to Patient Discharge in a wheelchair by Patient Transport who will accompany you to your vehicle.

Checklist for Discharge

1. Medicine list. This is a list of the medicines you are taking, the reason you are taking them and any possible side effects. It is a good idea to take notes on the medicines your doctor has given to you while in the hospital and any other information you are told by your caregivers. 


2. Rx. Fill your prescriptions promptly. Our hospital pharmacy will fill your prescriptions the day you discharge so you can leave the hospital with your medicines. When you need your medicines refilled, tell your pharmacy to call the phone number on your prescription bottle, and we will be glad to transfer your prescription to them.


3. Follow-up care instructions. Ask your caregivers these questions:



  • Are there dietary restrictions I need to follow?
  • Am I restricted in any activity? What can I do or not do?
  • How do I properly care for my wound or incisions?
  • Do I need any follow-up tests or treatments?
  • Are there any other instructions, such as signs or symptoms to watch out for, how to use any equipment or how to get in and out of bed?


4. Follow-up doctor appointments. You may be told to follow up with your primary care doctor. If you want, our nursing staff will be happy to make that appointment for you. If you don’t have a family physician, you will be referred to one.


5. Other services. You may require other services after you leave the hospital and need to be admitted to a rehabilitation center, a nursing home or other facility. Or you may need to schedule tests at an imaging center or have outpatient treatments at a wound care or cancer center.


6. Community resources. You may need transportation services, medical equipment, home care and respite care. There are agencies and support groups who may help you. You may speak with your social worker or case manager about these concerns. See Hospital & Community Resources for a list of helpful support groups.


7. Insurance concerns. A representative of the Business office is available to discuss financial arrangements with you. If you have insurance or billing questions, please call our Business office at 731.660.8730. If you are uninsured, a case manager or social worker will help you apply for TennCare, Medicaid or another government-assisted program.

Not Ready to Leave?

You have the right to appeal your discharge if you don’t agree with the decision that you are ready to leave the hospital. Speak with your doctor or nurse, and share your concerns. You may also need to reach out to Medicare, Medicaid or your insurance company.

After-Hospital Needs

Please tell staff and doctors if and how you need to continue your recovery once you leave the hospital. You may ask for help from a case manager or social worker by dialing ext. 16747.

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