Hospitalizations

Hospitalizations: What You Need to Know

Hospitalizations are a necessary part of life for many people. Whether it is for an illness, injury, or just precautionary care, they can be a scary and time-consuming experience that no one wants to face. To make the process as smooth and successful as possible, here are some important points about hospitalizations everyone should know.

Types of Hospitalizations

There are several types of hospitalizations, including:

• Emergency Hospitalization: when a person requires immediate hospital care for a potentially life-threatening emergency.
• Elective Hospitalization: when a person chooses to be admitted to the hospital for a scheduled procedure or surgery.
• Scheduled Hospitalization: when a person is admitted for care, on a planned basis, that is done in advance.

Admission Process

The admission process at a hospital typically consists of three steps:

1. Evaluation: Your doctor will come to see you and evaluate your condition to decide if hospitalization is necessary.
2. Admission: A bed will be assigned to you, and you will receive paperwork to complete regarding patient history, insurance, and consent.
3. Admitting Orders: The admitting physician will then enter her orders for your needed medical care, which will typically include diagnostic tests, treatments, and medications.

Hospital Stay

When you are in the hospital, you may encounter a variety of medical personnel, including:

• Doctors
• Nurses
• Respiratory Therapists
• Physical Therapists
• Pharmacists
• Dietitians

Your hospital stay will also involve many tests and treatments, including:

• Lab tests
• X-rays
• Ultrasounds
• Medication
• Therapy
• Surgery

Leaving the Hospital

When you are ready to leave the hospital, you may be given medication, instructions for follow-up care, and referrals to specialists. Your doctor will also provide discharge summaries that explain the treatment you received and any new doctors you should consult.

Conclusion

By understanding the types of hospitalizations you may need, the admission procedure, the staff and treatments that are involved, and the leaving process, you can better prepare yourself for this potentially stressful time. Whether you are facing a necessary hospital stay or are a caregiver for someone else, the more you know, the better prepared you will be.