What should I do after a hospital stay?
Follow these tips to stay out of the hospital after you go home when you have kidney disease.
Keeping you healthy
Did you know that people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a higher chance of having to go back to the hospital soon after they leave?
It’s important to learn how to stop this from happening. Here are some tips to help you avoid going to the hospital.
After a hospital stay:
- Call your doctor’s office as soon as you get home from the hospital. You need to be seen within 1-2 weeks by your kidney doctor or primary care doctor.
- Keep your discharge paperwork in a safe place. It will tell you what doctors to visit and how to take care of yourself.
- If you had surgery, call your surgeon’s office to make sure you are recovering as expected.
- If the hospital arranged home services, medical equipment, physical therapy, or medications, make sure you know when to expect it and what you need to do.
Key takeaways
- Contact your doctor's office soon after leaving the hospital to schedule a follow-up visit within 1-2 weeks.
- Review and keep your discharge instructions so you know what steps to take at home.
- Make sure you understand any medications, equipment, or services arranged before you leave.
- Reach out to your care team if you have questions or concerns during recovery.
We are here to help
Reach out to your care team for support and to get your questions answered.
Julie Dominguez, MD
Vice President, Medical Office, Interwell Health
Julie Dominguez, MD, is a nephrologist with extensive experience in private practice nephrology and medical education. At Interwell Health, she helps advance high-quality kidney care programs that support patients and clinicians. Dr. Dominguez earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, completed her Internal Medicine residency at Duke University, and completed her Nephrology fellowship at the University of California San Diego.