Leaving
Your physician will write the orders for your discharge and for any medication, dietary instructions or special services you will need when you leave the hospital. A social worker or nurse case manager is available to help make your transition back to the community a smooth one, helping you to arrange for services such as home care or to address concerns you may have about your discharge. The medical team involved with your care will teach you any procedures you need to follow at home.
Discharge Instructions
You will receive written discharge instructions that explain how you should care for yourself at home. These instructions will include any medication you can and/or should take, when you can return to normal activities, and a phone number you can call if you have questions.
Checking Out
Our check out time is 11:00 a.m. If you need to wait at the hospital for
transportation or for any other reason, please tell your nurse so that
arrangements can be made to accommodate you.
We will let you know if you or a family member needs to visit the hospital
cashier before leaving the hospital. The business office is happy to answer
any questions you may have about your bill or insurance coverage, either
in person or by calling extension 6116.
New Medicines
If you need medicines that you do not already have, your physician will give you a prescription. For your convenience, Confluence Health Hospital | Central Campus Professional Pharmacy (outpatient pharmacy) can fill your discharge prescription between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (Mon – Fri) and 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. (Sat). The Professional Pharmacy is easily accessed in the Professional Building and can be reached by calling 509.667.3333.
A family member or representative may bring your prescription for processing while you are waiting to be discharged. Our pharmacy can bill your insurance if you provide your insurance plan card to the nurse when your prescription is written. Any co-payments or other charges can be paid by cash, check, or credit card.
Leaving Against Medical Advice
It is Confluence Health Hospital | Central Campus policy to discourage you from leaving the hospital against the advice of your physician. This is called leaving against medical advice. When you want to leave the hospital before the physician says it is okay to leave, your nurse will contact your physician. If you insist on leaving, our staff will ask you to sign the Discharge against Medical Advice form.
Social Services
Sometimes patients still need treatment, equipment or care after they are discharged from the hospital. To meet the special needs of these patients, Confluence Health offers assistance from our social workers and nurse case managers. Discharge planning services include arrangements for home health services, medical supplies, nursing home or rehabilitation center placement.
Home Care Services
Care at home is available through Confluence Health’s Home Care Services. A team of skilled professionals provides nursing therapy services and personal care in your home, supervised by your physician. Hospice care is provided by an interdisciplinary team of skilled professionals for terminally ill patients and families. If you would like more information, please call 509.665.6049.
Home Infusion Services
You may require continued intravenous medication or enteral nutrition through a special tube in the stomach after discharge from the hospital. Our Home Infusion Services Department can provide this therapy safely in the comfort of your home. A physician’s order is required. If you would like more information, please call (509) 665-6058.
