After a visit to the hospital for a hip or knee replacement, or any other medical issue, it’s important to ask the right questions to help you recover well at home. We talked with Shane Greene, MD, Hospitalist Medical Director at APD to learn what patients should ask before they leave the hospital.
What happens when a patient is ready to go home?
Your doctor will go over why you came to the hospital, what tests were done, and any other important things that happened during your stay. They’ll also talk about any changes to your medications, referrals to other doctors, follow-up appointments, and any lifestyle changes you should make. Most importantly, they’ll answer any final questions you have.
Next, your nurse will explain your discharge papers and give you more information if needed. They’ll also remove your IV.
What questions should I ask about my medications before I leave the hospital?
You should ask:
- How are my medications different from what I was taking before?
- Why were these changes made?
- What do I need to watch out for?
- Who should I call if I have a problem?
Why is it important to understand changes to your medications?
Taking your medications the right way is one of the best ways to stay healthy and avoid another hospital visit. Be sure to ask your doctor about any side effects of new medications or changes to your current ones.