Discharge from the hospital

Christiane Fux studied journalism and psychology in Hamburg. The experienced medical editor has been writing magazine articles, news and factual texts on all conceivable health topics since 2001. In addition to her work for, Christiane Fux is also active in prose. Her first crime novel was published in 2012, and she also writes, designs and publishes her own crime plays.

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The ward doctor decides when you can leave the hospital. If, contrary to medical advice, you want to leave the hospital earlier, you must declare in writing that you will do so at your own risk. In this case, the doctor assumes no liability if health problems arise later.

When you are discharged, you will receive a so-called discharge report. It contains all the important information about the diagnoses made and the therapy in the hospital as well as suggestions for further treatment, in particular about the use of medication. The discharge report is intended for the doctor who is continuing treatment. As a rule, you will first receive a short report with the most important information. Either you or the attending physician will receive the longer, detailed report in the mail. This contains the examination results, x-rays, ultrasound images or other documents that help you to continue your treatment in the best possible way.

Since October 2017, the hospital has been obliged to initiate the necessary follow-up care after the hospital stay according to the so-called "discharge management" (which is also called "care or transition management").

The hospital organizes, for example, outpatient rehabilitation measures after the hospital stay or inpatient follow-up treatment (inpatient rehabilitation).

Some patients cannot care for themselves at home on their own after a hospital stay and still need medical care. In such a case, the hospital organizes a home care service for wound care or basic care in good time for discharge. You usually have the choice between different care services with which your insurance company has concluded contracts.

At the time of discharge, domestic help can also be organized and - if necessary - a transfer to a nursing home.

However, none of these measures are mandatory for you as a patient: You can also refuse this assistance - which you have to confirm with a signature.

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