Discharge Information for Total Joint Replacement Patients

Preparing for "Check Out" from the Hospital

At NYM, your support system for a safe discharge, or "check out", includes a team of case managers, social workers, caregivers and coaches.

The Role of Case Managers and Social Workers
Nurse Case Managers, sometimes called "Case Managers," and Social Workers are dedicated to ensuring that you receive high quality care and a safe discharge from the Hospital.

Shortly after admission, a Nurse Case Manager and/or Social Worker will visit you and your family members to determine if services will be needed. These services could include rehabilitation, a nursing home or home care.

Your team is available Monday - Saturday to assist you and your family during your stay in the Hospital.

The discharge planning process begins once you find out you are being admitted to the Hospital. It is important to begin planning for your discharge as early as possible. Speak to your physician and family about an appropriate plan, but be aware that there are several factors which may cause this plan to change. These include your insurance coverage, your level of progress following surgery, the level of care you will require at the time of discharge, as well as the availability of community services.

The Role of a Caregiver/Coach
All people undergoing surgery MUST have ONE responsible person or coach (a family member, friend, spouse, neighbor, etc.) to assist NYM staff in planning your discharge from the Hospital.

Please provide the name of this person to your doctor, Case Manager and Social Worker. NYM staff will discuss discharge planning issues with you as well as your "coach".

Discharge Options
As part of the healing process following orthopedic surgery, all patients require rehabilitation treatment. Although your rehabilitation will begin in the Hospital, it is often necessary to continue this treatment in another setting.

Rehabilitation services can be provided in the following ways:



1. Acute/Sub-Acute Rehabilitation
Call your insurance company to discuss your level of coverage for rehabilitation after surgery. Decide before surgery your 5 inpatient rehabilitation centers, and list them in order of preference. The Social Worker will assist you in the coordination of this plan.
Click here for a list of facilities, the services they offer, and the insurance companies they contract with.



2. Home with Home Care Services
The plan may be to return to your home for in-home physical therapy. You will be given a list of available Home Care Agencies in your inpatient packet. This too requires authorization from your insurance company and will be started while you are still in the Hospital. A Home Care Nurse will assist you in the coordination of this plan.



3. Out - Patient Rehabilitation
Your surgeon will discuss your outpatient rehabilitation options with you.  Learn more about rehabilitation services at NYM.