COPIES OF MEDICAL RECORDS Lawrence Memorial Hospital recognizes the patient’s right to inspect and obtain a copy of, or release to designated others, their protected health information (PHI) contained in a designated record set. These requests shall be accompanied by the appropriate verification of identity and written authorization. Contact Health Information Management Systems (Medical Records) at 785-505-3093 to obtain a Release of Health Information form. The form is also available for download on the website at www.lmh.org.
Preparing for Discharge LEAVING THE HOSPITAL When it’s time to be released from the hospital, your doctor will authorize a hospital discharge. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you are completely well—it only means that you no longer need hospital services. If you disagree, you or your caregiver can appeal the decision.
IF YOU DISAGREE You or a relative can appeal your doctor’s discharge decision. If you are a Medicare patient, be sure you are given “An Important Message from Medicare” from the hospital’s discharge planner or care manager. This details your rights to remain in the hospital for care and provides information on who to contact to appeal a discharge decision.
This starts a discharge plan. You and your caregiver should meet a discharge planner relatively early in your hospital stay; if not, find out who this person is and be sure to meet with them well before your expected discharge date. Ask your health care team for help in identifying your transitional needs for after hospital care, such as companions, personal care aides, and homemakers; durable medical equipment; home pharmacy/ infusion (I.V.) services; long-term care services, social services; and hospice.
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