After an emergency room visit or hospital stay

Schedule and keep follow-up appointments

Patients often ask why they should see their healthcare provider after an emergency room visit or hospital stay. There are many reasons why it’s a good idea. Here are a few:

• It’s important for your provider to know the reason for your visit or stay, and the care you got while there.
• Timely follow-ups allow you and your provider to talk about next steps for your recovery.
• For help in planning self-care activities to avoid a return visit or stay.

Follow-up appointments are most important within seven days after leaving the emergency room or hospital. Follow-up care can be with a primary care provider, or with a mental health practitioner - the care you receive is based on the reason for your visit or stay.

What to expect during a follow-up appointment

Your healthcare provider may ask:

• How are you feeling today?
• What are your goals for the follow-up appointment?
• What was the reason for your visit or stay?
• What medications are you taking, and on what schedule?
• What does your support system look like?

Your healthcare provider may also:

• Review any medications you are taking and adjust, if needed.
• Share results of any hospital tests that were done.
• Talk about, or review, your Wellness Recovery Action Plan.
• Schedule your next follow-up appointment, if needed.

In some cases, a follow-up appointment can take place on the same day a patient leaves the hospital and may be in the form of a home or telehealth visit, or at a mental health center.