Post-Surgical Discharge Planning

In partnership with Benchmark Administrators and Western Integrated Care the use of Post-Surgical Discharge Planning Services assists the injured worker and Claims Adjuster to ensure that the needs of the injured worker post-surgery are met and a successful return to work is achieved.

A trip to the hospital can be an intimidating event for injured workers’ and their families. As a caregiver, you are focused completely on your family member’s medical treatment, and so is the hospital staff. You might not be giving much thought to what happens when it’s time to leave the hospital.

Yet, the way this transition is handled—whether the discharge is to home, a rehabilitation (“rehab”) facility, or a nursing home—is critical to the health and well-being of the injured worker. Studies have found that improvements in hospital discharge planning can dramatically improve the outcome for patients as they move to the next level of care.

Discharge planning is “a process used to decide what a patient needs for a smooth move from one level of care to another.” Discharge planning is done with a team approach.

Why is Discharge Planning Important?

Effective discharge planning can decrease the chances that your injured worker is readmitted to the hospital, and can also help in recovery, ensure medications are prescribed and given correctly, and adequately prepare the family and injured worker to go home or other discharge care.

Discharge planning tends to lead to increased satisfaction of the injured worker with the care receive, faster recovery and less re-admissions due to infection or other reasons.

What happens during the discharge planning process?

• Discharge planning starts before the actual surgical procedure.
• The Discharge Planner will contact the surgeon and inquire on what Durable Medical Equipment, Medications, Home Health, Rehabilitation Facility and Transportation is needed at discharge.
• The Discharge Planner will work with the injured worker and family members to educate them on discharge needs
• The Discharge Planner will ensure that all services needed are set up prior to discharge.
• The Discharge Planner will work with the Claims Adjuster on negotiating prices for Rehabilitation Facilities or Nursing Homes.