Often, what happens after you leave the hospital is just as important as your treatment in the hospital. Your recovery after a hospi tali - zation is enhanced if you receive the aftercare and resources you need to stay safe and healthy. This could include follow-up doctor visits, installation of safety rails in your shower, or instruc - tions on caring for a wound.

 The process of evaluating your needs and identifying the neces - sary resources you will need before you leave a medical facility is called discharge planning.

This is important whether you stay at a hospital, nursing home or outpatient facility. Inter Valley Health Plan wants you to stay safe and healthy any time you leave a medical facility. To ensure this, we have care managers who are available to assist you with the discharge planning process. Our care managers can help you identify and secure the information and resources needed for your recovery. The following checklists are designed to give you an idea of what you need to be thinking about before, during and after a stay in a medical facility.

BEFORE your stay at a medical facility Locate and bring the following items with you:

• An up-to-date list of all prescription and over-thecounter medications you take,as well as any vitamins or herbs.

•  A list of allergies and sensitivities. Results of relevant tests or procedures.

• An Advance Directive or Durable Power of Attorney form. Share a copy with a family member to help ensure your wishes are met.

DURING your stay at a medical facility

Ask your health care team about the following:

• Your diagnosis and treatment plan, as well as what procedures to expect during your stay.

• If you are being transferred from one facility to another, find out the reason for the transfer, when the transfer will occur, and who you can ask for more information if needed.

BEFORE leaving a medical facility

Ask the nurse or the doctor assigned to your care for the following information, and make sure instructions are provided clearly in writing.

• What were you treated for and what follow-up is needed.

•  What, if any, new medications you will need to take, and whether to continue taking your current medications.

• What warning signs to look out for and when should you call the doctor.

• The expected timeline for recovery.

• Who to contact, if you have questions or need to clarify any instructions.

• Special instructions or training for a caregiver, if needed.

• If possible, have a friend or relative with you when you receive discharge instructions.

AFTER leaving a medical facility

• Call and set-up or confirm your appointments for follow-up care.

• Make sure your list of medica - tions is clear and provide a copy to the doctor at your next visit.

• Call your doctor to report any unusual or serious symptoms, side effects or reactions.

• Call your doctor if you are unable to manage yourself safely at home. If needed, home health care can be arranged to ensure your health and safety.

If you need help with the dis charge planning process, Inter Valley Health Plan encourages you to call us at 800-251-8191, ext 249, or TTY/TDD 800-505-7150 for hearing impaired. Ask for the care manager who is assigned to your provider group. If you are not sure who your IPA/provider group is, please check your Inter Valley member ID card.