FREE DISCHARGE TOOL

Hospital Discharge Readiness Checklist

Going home from the hospital? Make sure everything is in place for a safe transition. Our 22-point checklist covers medical follow-up, home safety, and care planning.

1 in 5
Patients readmitted within 30 days
$26B
Annual cost of readmissions
75%
Of readmissions are preventable
22
Critical discharge checklist items
Phase 1 of 3
Before They Leave the Hospital
0 of 8 completed
Discharge instructions reviewed with doctor or nurse
Critical
All new prescriptions filled or arranged for pickup
Critical
Follow-up appointments scheduled with doctors
Critical
Home medical equipment ordered and confirmed for delivery
Walker, commode, hospital bed if needed
High
Wound care or medical procedure instructions understood and written down
High
Emergency warning signs explained — know when to call 911 vs. doctor
Critical
Transportation home arranged
High
Primary care doctor notified of hospital discharge
High
Phase 2 of 3
Is the Home Ready?
0 of 8 completed
Bedroom prepared on ground floor (if mobility is limited)
High
Grab bars installed in bathroom near toilet and shower
Critical
Clear, clutter-free pathways throughout home
Critical
Adequate lighting in all rooms and hallways
High
Non-slip surfaces in bathroom and kitchen
High
Phone or emergency alert device within reach from bed
Critical
Meals planned and prepared for the first week home
Medium
Medications organized in pill organizer with schedule posted
High
Phase 3 of 3
Care Plan in Place
0 of 6 completed
Family or caregiver schedule arranged for first 2 weeks
Critical
Home health aide or nursing visits scheduled (if prescribed)
High
Physical or occupational therapy schedule confirmed
High
Diet or activity restrictions clearly written down and posted
Medium
Insurance and billing questions answered before leaving
Medium
Emergency contacts list updated and posted in visible location
High
0
of 22
0% Readiness
NOT READY

Phase 1: Before Hospital
0 of 8 completed
Needs Attention
Phase 2: Home Ready
0 of 8 completed
Needs Attention
Phase 3: Care Plan
0 of 6 completed
Needs Attention
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This checklist provides general guidance for hospital discharge planning. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow your healthcare provider's specific discharge instructions.