Understanding discharge instructions and next steps

[MUSIC PLAYING]

As part of being discharged from the hospital, your care team will talk to you about your medical condition at the time of discharge and whether you need any follow-up

care, like physical therapy. They'll explain what medications you need to take and when and how to take them, as well as side effects you might have and how to dispose

of any unused medicine. If you were started on medication to help you quit smoking during your hospital stay,

be sure to continue that regimen. If you need medical equipment, your hospital care team will tell you how to get it.

They'll also give you instructions on food, drink and exercise, and what activities you should avoid. If you're going to a new facility like a rehab center,

they'll describe what to expect. If you're going home, they'll tell you the days and times of your follow-up appointments or how to make appointments.

It's really important that you go to your follow-up appointments, so you can get any further monitoring or testing you may need. Call your health care provider if you

have any questions about your hospital discharge instructions. And make sure they've received information from the hospital care team about your hospitalization

and your needs. Your hospital care team will also provide you with a phone number to call if you have a question or a problem

and when to call if you develop complications after discharge. [MUSIC PLAYING]