Leaving the hospital is an important step in your healing journey. From the day you arrive, our team begins planning for your safe return home. We’ll work closely with you and your family to make sure you understand your care plan, know what to expect, and feel prepared for recovery.
Discharge Planning
Going home doesn’t just mean leaving the hospital—it means continuing your care in a safe, comfortable way. Your discharge team will:
- Review the reason for your admission and your condition at discharge.
- Explain what you can do at home to recover well and stay healthy.
- Clarify any activity restrictions or safety measures.
- Review your medications, including when and how to take them, possible side effects, and the last time you received a dose.
- Make all necessary follow-up appointments with your providers.
- Arrange outpatient tests and complete any needed paperwork.
- Review signs and symptoms to watch for and report to your provider.
- Teach you how to manage pain and care for wounds or incisions.
- Help arrange for home equipment, such as shower chairs, walkers, or bedside commodes, and coordinate delivery if needed.
This process may take a few hours after your doctor writes the discharge order, but it ensures everything is in place for a smooth transition.
Billing & Insurance
Learn moreThank you for choosing WVU Medicine. We understand that healthcare billing can be confusing, and we're here to help. It's important to us that you understand your billing, and we offer a suite of tools to help you take advantage of financial assistance, understand your bill, estimate your costs, and use out-of-network plans. Visit our Billing & Insurance page to learn more.
Pay your bill online:
Pay your bill by phone:
Pay your bill by mail:
c/o WVU Health System
PO Box 896
Morgantown, WV 26507-0896
Access Records
Request Medical Records from WVU MedicineTo obtain medical records, you may now request your records by using the records request tool, through MyWVUChart, email, mail, or calling 304-598-4110 (or toll free 844-484-0304) Monday through Friday from 8 am – 4 pm.
Your Discharge Team
You won’t go through this process alone. Your discharge team includes:
- Your provider (doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant)
- Nurses
- Family or caregivers
- A social worker or discharge planner
- A case manager/utilization review specialist
Together, they’ll make sure you and your loved ones understand your care and have the resources you need at home.
Checking Out
When your doctor decides you’re ready to leave:
- Your nurse or care coordinator will review your discharge plan and help finalize details.
- You’ll receive written instructions about medications, activities, appointments, and follow-up care. Please ask questions if anything is unclear—your care team is here to help.
- The Care Management Department can also help arrange home health services if needed.
Transportation & Personal Belongings
- A hospital staff member will escort you to the front entrance and assist you into your vehicle.
- If you require ambulance transportation, your care team will help with arrangements based on your insurance coverage.
- Be sure to collect all personal belongings, including items stored in the safe or pharmacy.
- If you need a taxi or bus schedule, our staff will gladly help coordinate.
Prescriptions
If your doctor provides a prescription, please have it filled as soon as possible to stay on track with your treatment plan.
Staying Connected: A Follow-Up Call
To support your transition home, you’ll receive an automated call within three days of discharge. You may be asked questions such as:
- How are you feeling compared to yesterday?
- Do you have any questions about your medications?
- Were you satisfied with your hospital care?
- Do you have everything you need to attend your follow-up appointments?
This call helps us ensure your recovery is on track and gives us valuable feedback to improve care for future patients.
