Continued Care After You Leave the Hospital
After a hospital stay, people with certain health conditions often need additional care. The KRMC Post-Hospital Care Clinic helps these patients transition from the hospital to home. This service greatly reduces the patient’s risk of being readmitted to the hospital.
Specifically, our clinic serves patients with the following conditions:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)- Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
- Heart Attack (Acute Myocardial Infarction or AMI)
- Pneumonia
- Syncope (Fainting)
The Post-Hospital Care Clinic provides follow-up care within 72 hours after the patient is discharged from the hospital. Patients are scheduled for an appointment as part of their hospital discharge process. Appointments at the clinic are on outpatient basis and usually last about an hour.
At the Post-Hospital Care Clinic, our doctors assess the patient’s condition and verify the effectiveness of their medications. We also review and discuss their hospital discharge instructions and answer questions to assure the patient knows what to do at home, what to watch for, and who to contact if they have problems.
Additionally, our clinic has a transitional-care case manager who helps patients acquire medical equipment and other needed resources for continuing their recovery at home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Post-Hospital Care
Why Do I Need Post-Hospital Care?
Hospital care is considered “acute care” by Medicare and other insurance plans. Once your doctor determines your acute condition is resolved, you are discharged from the hospital. However, this may not mean that you are completely well. It is important that you receive continued medical care for transition from the hospital to your normal activities.
What Should I Bring to My Appointment?
It is very important that you bring the following when you come for your appointment:
- Bottles of all medications you are currently taking
- Your hospital discharge instructions and blue patient folder you received in the hospital
- A list of questions and concerns to discuss with the doctor
We also encourage you to bring a family member or friend who is involved in your care.
What Does It Cost for Care at the Post-Hospital Care Clinic?
Our services are covered by Medicare and private health insurance plans. Your co-pay and deductible will be the same as a regular doctor’s office visit.
What If I Don’t Have Transportation?
If you are unable to drive or cannot otherwise get to your appointment, please contact the clinic at 928-681-8746. KRMC will provide roundtrip transportation from your home to the clinic at no charge to you.
Will I Also Need to See My Regular Doctor?
Yes, you will need to continue care with your regular doctor. After your visit at our clinic, we will inform your doctor of your status.
