Hospital Discharge Checklist

Hospital bed (adjustable) — if needed for home

Medicare Part B covers if medically necessary with a doctor's written order

Walker or rollator — measured to correct height

Physical therapist on staff should fit this before discharge

Wheelchair (manual or power) — if mobility is limited

Requires face-to-face evaluation and written order from the treating physician

Commode chair or raised toilet seat

Reduces fall risk; often provided by hospital supply before discharge

Shower chair or bench

Critical for fall prevention — ask specifically, hospitals often have them

Grab bars (bathroom, hallway)

Hospital may not install, but can provide a list of vendors

Oxygen equipment — if oxygen levels were an issue

Requires ABG results or pulse ox readings documented in chart

CPAP or BiPAP machine — if prescribed during stay

Hospital may provide a loaner or arrange through a DME supplier

Wound care supplies (dressings, compression, etc.)

Get enough for at least 2 weeks; ask what exact products to buy if running out

Medication management tools (pill organizer, blister packs)

Especially important after anesthesia or cardiac events

What is the official discharge diagnosis?

This determines what Medicare and insurance will cover for home equipment

Is a skilled nursing facility (SNF) or rehab stay being considered?

Medicare covers 100 days of SNF after a 3-day qualifying hospital stay — ask if it applies

Has a referral been made to a home health agency?

Medicare covers home health nursing, PT, OT, speech therapy after hospitalization

Has a DME (medical equipment) order been placed?

Who is the supplier? When will the equipment arrive? Can someone be home to receive it?

What follow-up appointments are needed, and when?

Get exact dates, not just "in a few days." Confirm the doctor's office has been notified.

What are the warning signs that should trigger a return to the ER?

Get this in writing. Many readmissions are preventable with clear criteria.

What medications have changed, and why?

Ask the pharmacist (not just the nurse) to walk through the new medication list

Are there any activity restrictions? Weight-bearing limits? Driving?

Critical for setting up the home environment correctly before arrival

Who is the primary point of contact if something goes wrong at home?

Get a direct phone number, not just the main hospital line

Is a home health aide (personal care) covered?

Medicare does NOT cover custodial care. Ask about Medicaid or supplemental coverage if needed.

Clear a path from the front door to the bedroom and bathroom

Remove rugs, extension cords, pet gates, furniture — anything that could cause a trip

Set up the sleeping area on the ground floor if stairs are a problem

Hospital-grade bed rails or a bed assist handle ($30–$60) can help significantly

Install non-slip mats in bathroom (tub, shower floor)

Falls in the bathroom are the most common hospital readmission cause

Stock medications (filled at pharmacy BEFORE discharge if possible)

Hospital discharge pharmacies can often fill new prescriptions on-site

Set up a medication schedule chart visible in the kitchen

After hospitalization, medication errors spike — a visible chart helps caregivers too

Confirm equipment delivery date and be home to receive it

Beds, lifts, and O2 equipment require someone to accept delivery and get setup instructions

Prepare easy-to-eat meals for the first 3 days

Post-hospital appetite is often poor. Broth, smoothies, soft foods reduce feeding stress.

Arrange caregiver schedule for first 48 hours (who stays overnight?)

First night home is highest risk. Plan who is sleeping nearby, not just nearby in the day.

Post emergency numbers on the fridge (doctor, pharmacy, home health, 911)

Include the specific doctor managing the discharge condition, not just the PCP

Check internet and phone signal in the bedroom

Telehealth follow-ups are increasingly common; a working signal matters from day one

Call Medicare (1-800-MEDICARE) to verify home health authorization

Confirm the home health agency was referred and that Medicare has the claim on file

Call Medicare Advantage plan (number on back of card) to verify DME coverage

MA plans have different DME networks than Original Medicare — confirm your supplier is in-network

Call Medigap/supplemental insurer to notify of hospitalization

Some supplemental plans require notification within a set window — check the welcome letter

Confirm DME supplier is Medicare-enrolled and billing on your behalf

Ask: "Are you a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier?" and "Will you bill Medicare directly?"

Ask DME supplier about patient cost share (copay/coinsurance)

Medicare Part B covers 80% after deductible — you pay 20%. Get this in writing.

If prior authorization was required, confirm it was approved

PA denials are one of the most common reasons equipment doesn't arrive. Ask specifically.

If Medicaid is involved, call the Medicaid office to notify of discharge

Medicaid may cover items Medicare doesn't — including personal care aide hours