After Leaving the Hospital
After you leave the hospital, you may have questions about how to manage your care in a new setting. It's important for you to understand your situation—it may make you feel more confident and in control. Please ask your health team if you have any questions or concerns that are not addressed here. Your BIDMC team will continue to be available if you have any questions or concerns.
How do I know if I need medical attention or if what I'm feeling is part of my recovery?
If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. If you have concerns about your health that are not urgent, call your BIDMC care team.
Every patient's recovery is slightly different and varies by condition. Please see our Tools and Resources page for condition-specific information that may help you understand how you are feeling.
Who should I contact if I'm not feeling well?
Please contact your primary care physician if you feel unwell. Based on your condition and medical history, they can best advise you on how to proceed.
Will my hospital team contact my primary care provider about my hospital stay?
Yes. However, you should also be in touch with your primary care provider to discuss your recent hospitalization and to schedule your next appointment.
What resources are available if I find that I need help caring for myself at home?
Appropriate types of home care or other post-hospital care will depend on your condition and living situation. If you feel that you need help caring for yourself at home, please contact your primary care physician or review your discharge paperwork to contact your BIDMC health care team. Your primary care physician or BIDMC team will work with you to make sure you are comfortable outside the hospital.
Are there support groups for people who have the same condition as me, or for their families and caregivers?
There might be. There are support groups available for various conditions. Ask your health care providers about support groups at BIDMC or elsewhere in your community. You may also be able to find information about support services online.
My health care team and discharge paperwork use some terms I am not familiar with. How can I find out what they mean?
Please visit the Tools and Resources page, which includes some Internet glossaries of common medical abbreviations and acronyms that you may see or hear during the discharge process.