Have you always wondered what actually happens when your loved one “accesses” into the hospital system?
Its no doubt that this period can be intense intimidating, daunting and at times emotionally draining.
As a geriatrics healthcare professional of many years, I have experienced a multitude of situations, none of which are ever the same, and we have to consider our loved ones as delicate commodities.
So how does it work…?
Upon an individual entering through the emergency room, the health care team will begin the process of obtaining pertinent information including insurance/payor source, personal data, emergency contact information, any known allergies and your complaint or reason for visit.
The Triage
Most hospitals will provide a continuation of services while undergoing the “intake” process. This department is commonly known as the “Triage”.
The skilled professionals in the Triage department will document and record additional information such as your vitals and also provide a brief clinical assessment of which the attending Physician will use during his/her bed-side consultation.
Admission
Based on the findings of the healthcare team through the Triage and consultation, the attending Physician shall determine whether an admission or discharge is appropriate.
If a discharge is determined, the patient shall receive a printed report, reflecting the recommended follow-up instructions, discharge orders/summary and if necessary, the written and signed prescription for medications. At this point the patient shall be free to leave the hospital.
In the case that an admission is necessary, appropriate arrangements will be made to allocate an open bed within the department most relative to the admitting diagnosis.
The Hospitalization Cycle
At the point that the decision for an admission is made, the “medicare clock” begins to tick….
The front-line team work diligently to ensure your comfort and begin ascertaining goals for treatment. In conjunction with the direct care being rendered, provisions are being made within the other disciplines (commonly known as departments) of the hospital. This may include dietary, social services, case management, physical or occupational therapy and other specialty services which may included specialty surgeons or physicians.
The anticipated time for continued Medicare coverage will include a minimum of a three (3) over-night hospital stay, which will qualify the patient to receive on-going short-term rehabilitation at the point of discharge being determined.
Discharge/Transfer
In healthcare, the professionals follow a simple, yet effective rule. The theory is that discharges begin upon admission!
Again the healthcare team are diligent to prepare for this event ensuring that the process is free from anxiety and streamlined and as smooth as possible.
The Social Services and/or Case Management team will discuss with the patient and/or family member the plans for discharge as ordered by the physician. The planning is imperative to the continued rehabilitation of the patient and therefore the selection of an appropriate short-term rehabilitation facility will be key for post acute care.
The team will be able to provide options for the patient however, if the patient has a specific request, it should be communicated to the team in order to facilitate the placement.
