Member tips for a speedy recovery
What members do after they return home is just as important as the care they receive in the hospital.
What members should do once they get home
Keeping track of how members feel each day can help them and their doctor spot patterns and support their recovery. Plus, following discharge guidelines can help prevent complications and reduce the risk of returning to the hospital.
Planning follow-up care is important
Schedule a visit with your primary care doctor
Members should schedule a visit with their primary care doctor as soon as possible. Most doctors want to see patients within 7 days of discharge. Members should also make sure to mention they're scheduling a post-discharge appointment to ensure they can be seen quickly. Tip: Members can find their primary care doctor info in their Oscar account.Write down any questions
Write down any questions or concerns ahead of time (and make sure to bring the symptom trackers linked above).Bring discharge instructions
Bring discharge instructions, test results, and medications from the hospital.Bring a list of all medications
Members should bring a list of all medications they take, including over-the-counter items.Bring a family member
Consider bringing a family member or friend to help take notes.Repeat instructions back to the doctor
Repeating instructions back to the doctor can help ensure members understand next steps.
Follow-up medication reminders
- Fill all prescriptions as soon as possible.
- Take medications exactly as directed. Using a pill organizer can help.
- Do not stop or change medications without talking to the doctor.
- Report any side effects immediately.
- If prescribed nitroglycerin, they should carry it with them at all times and sit down before using it.
- Never stop anti-platelet medications (such as aspirin, Plavix, or Brilinta) without medical guidance.
- When sick, never stop insulin, check blood sugar levels every 4 hours, and sip fluids.
- If blood sugar is below 70 mg/dL, members should follow their care plan to raise it safely.
Members should take care of themselves during recovery
For all members:- Follow wound-care and dressing instructions carefully.
- Keep incision areas clean and dry.
- Report signs of infection such as redness, swelling, drainage, or fever.
- Gentle movement helps recovery. Short 10β15 minutes walks are encouraged.
- For members who smoke, use nicotine replacement to avoid smoking during recovery.
Know when to call the doctor
Members should contact their primary care doctor or nurse if they notice new or worsening symptoms, such as fever, pain, swelling, shortness of breath, or confusion.For members with a heart failure-related stay:- Members should weigh themselves every morning after using the bathroom and before eating.
- Members should call their doctor if they gain 2β3 pounds in one day or 5 pounds in one week.
- If members wake up short of breath or need extra pillows while sleeping to breathe, call the doctor.
- A worsening cough when lying down may signal fluid buildup. Members should be sure to call their doctor.
- For members with an ischemic heart disease-related stay:
- Call 911 for chest pain that occurs at rest, lasts more than 20 minutes, or is not relieved by nitroglycerin.
- If blood sugar stays above 250 mg/dL, check for signs of infection and call the doctor.
- Members should check their feet daily and report any cuts, blisters, or redness that isnβt healing to their doctor.
- Members should monitor blood pressure at home and call their doctor if it stays above their target.
- Sudden confusion, weakness, or changes in behavior may signal infection.
- Scanning surroundings before walking and removing tripping hazards can help prevent falls at home.
Eat well and stay hydrated
For all members:- Follow dietary instructions provided at discharge.
- Drink fluids unless the doctor advises otherwise.
- Limit sodium to less than 2,000 mg per day.
- Avoid high-salt foods like canned soups, deli meats, frozen meals, and pizza.
- If on fluid restriction, count all liquids including ice and foods that melt.
- Sit fully upright while eating and remain upright for 30 minutes afterward to reduce the risk of pneumonia.
Oscar is here to support our members
Footnotes
This information is educational in nature and all benefits can vary by plan and plan year. Please refer to your complete Evidence of Coverage (EOC) for the current plan year at hioscar.com/forms for all plan benefits information.For specific medical questions members should contact their doctor.