Special needs accommodations
If your hearing, speech or sight is impaired, or if you have any other disability, or if you require any special assistance, please let your provider, nurse or a member of the Patient Relations staff know. TTYs are available for hospitalized patients who need them.
Discharge
Your doctor will decide when you are ready to leave the hospital. Preparing for discharge can take time and require planning for transportation and further care. Our Case Management and Social Work Department can help you make those arrangements.
We recommend that you arrange to have a relative or friend drive you home. If that's not possible, we can provide a list of transportation options and let know which, if any, may be covered by your insurance.
If you need transportation by ambulance because of your medical condition, several ambulance services can assist you for a fee. Most insurance companies do not cover transport home in an ambulance. Contact our Case Management and Social Work Department for assistance in arranging medical transportation.
If you require nursing care, physical therapy or medical equipment at home, a case manager or social worker will help arrange it. The department can also arrange ongoing care at a skilled nursing or rehabilitation facility if needed. You may wish to visit several facilities before your admission to UCSF Medical Center. Our Case Management and Social Work staff can assist you with the process.
Discharge checklist
- Review written instructions from your doctor or nurse, and be sure to ask any questions you may have about medications, activities and diet after discharge.
- Make sure you have scheduled any follow-up appointments, treatments or care you may need.
- Make sure your doctor, primary nurse or the pharmacist on your floor calls in or faxes any prescriptions you may need to the pharmacy of your choice (UCSF Medical Center does not have an outpatient pharmacy.) Arrange for someone to pick them up so you have the medications you need when you get home.
- Double check that you've packed everything you brought with you, as well as anything you were given to take home.
- Remove any valuables you may have stored in the hospital's safe.