Once your doctor has written your discharge order for you to leave one of our VA Maryland Health Care System inpatient facilities, our goal is to have you on your way as soon as possible by giving you a discharge appointment time. Everything that must be done before you leave the medical center will be taken care of before your discharge appointment time. Setting a discharge appointment time will also help your VA staff do a better job of communicating with you and your caregivers. Prior to leaving the medical center, you will be given a checklist that will help you plan for your discharge. The checklist will include the following information:

• Do I have a ride home?
• Does my ride know what time to pick me up?
• Do I have all the medical equipment or supplies I will need at home?
• Do I have all my valuables from patient belongings?
• If I am going to need assistance after I get home, have I made arrangements with family and friends?
• If the doctor ordered home care, do I know how to contact the agency?
• Will I need to return to the VA to see my doctor? If so, do I know about my appointment?
• If I have driving restrictions, who can help me get back to the hospital for my appointment?

If you have any questions about the discharge process, please speak to a member of your treatment team prior to leaving one of our VA Maryland Health Care System inpatient facilities

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