Manage your recovery after an ER visit or hospital stay
Schedule and keep follow-up appointments
Patients often ask why they should see their healthcare provider after an emergency room visit or hospital stay. There are many reasons why it’s a good idea:
- It’s important for your provider to know the reason for your visit or stay, and the care you got while there
- Timely follow-ups allow you and your provider to talk about next steps for your recovery
- Planning self-care activities can help you avoid a return visit or stay
Follow-up appointments are most important within seven days after leaving the emergency room or hospital. Follow-up care can be with a primary care provider or with a mental health practitioner — the care you receive is based on the reason for your visit or stay.
What to expect during a follow-up appointment
Your healthcare provider may ask:
- How have things been going since your ER visit or hospital stay?
- What will help you most at this appointment?
- What was the reason for your visit or stay?
- What medications are you taking, and on what schedule?
- Who and what can provide support when you need it?
Your healthcare provider may also:
- Review any medications you are taking and adjust, if needed
- Share results of any hospital tests that were done
- Talk about or review your Wellness Recovery Action Plan
- Schedule your next follow-up appointment, if needed
A follow-up appointment can take place on the same day or soon after and may be in the form of a home or telehealth visit or at a mental health center.
Need help finding a provider?
Use our online provider search or call the Member Services number on the back of your insurance card.
After a hospital or emergency room visit, you may receive a call from one of our trained case managers. Our case managers provide free education and resource coordination to members with mental health and/or substance use concerns.