Hospital Stay Information
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Going Home
Talk With Care Providers
- Preparation to go home will begin soon after you are admitted. Depending upon your needs, this may involve conferences with your doctor and other health care team members. Please discuss your discharge time with your nurse.
- Before you leave the hospital, your doctor will write your discharge orders. Your nurse will assist in arranging the necessary details.
Get Care Instructions
- Make sure you understand how to care for yourself at home.
- Reclaim any valuables placed in the hospital safe.
- Obtain any needed medication or supplies with the help of your nurse. Check at the nurse's station for any special instructions.
Home Care Options
Many patients need help transitioning from hospital to home. For this reason, you may wish to contact:
If needed, referrals can be made to any of these agencies or others you may choose. Your nurse and social worker will help with these and all other discharge arrangements.
Prescriptions
Your health care provider may prescribe medications for you to take after you leave the hospital. There are two locations where you may have these prescriptions filled:
Your Local Pharmacy
You may request a separate written prescription form. Filling the prescription at your local pharmacy is more convenient for refills and for financial arrangements with your third party payer.
Mills Avenue Pharmacy
For your convenience, Mills Avenue Pharmacy. Located on the lower level, south wing, will fill your prescriptions. Your nurse will escort you there, as you leave the hospital, to pick up and pay for your medications.
Patient Financial Services
Representatives are available, if you need to inquire about financial assistance, cannot meet the payment guidelines, or wish to discuss a medical bill, in the Financial Services department (near MeritCare Gifts on Main Street) or you may call (701) 234-2451. They will facilitate the filing of your insurance claim and explain the billing process.