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If You're a Patient
Going Home
Information about your care team and discharge
During your stay at Lehigh Valley Hospital, you will be cared for by a team of doctors, nurses and other skilled professionals. An important part of this team is your case manager. Every patient admitted to Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network has a case manager who can assess and plan for your needs when you leave the hospital.
Meeting Your Case ManagerIn most cases, you will meet your case manager after you are admitted to the hospital. However, depending on the type of procedure you will have in the hospital, you may be visited by your case manager when you come in for pre-admission testing. This pre-admission visit typically occurs when you are scheduled for elective surgery and your physician decides if it will be in your best interest to meet with you and your family ahead of time.
Working With Your Insurance
Your case manager will coordinate your health insurance benefits while you stay in the hospital and obtain authorization from your insurance company for in-hospital and post-hospital care. Your case manager will work in your best interest within the guidelines determined by your insurance company. If you have insurance questions during your stay, please ask to speak with your case manager.
When You Leave the HospitalYour doctor decides when you should go home. Your case manager helps arrange for care when you leave. This care can include transferring you to a rehabilitation center or skilled nursing facility, coordinating home care or hospice, and arranging for medical equipment.
The following services can be arranged if ordered by a physician, and all criteria are met and approved by your insurance company:
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Assisted Living/Personal Care Facility: Your case manager can provide a list of available facilities, but these services generally are not covered by insurance.
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Medical Equipment: If you require medical equipment after you leave the hospital, such as a wheel chair, walking aid or nebulizer, your case manager can assist you with arrangements.
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Rehabilitation: Your case manager can arrange for your admission to a rehabilitation center, where you will continue your recovery.
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Skilled Nursing Facility: Your case manager can provide you with lists of these facilities and assist with your placement and transfer. You and your family are responsible for completing the application and visiting facilities.
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Pharmacy: For your convenience, you or a family member may pick up your prescription in the hospital at our Health Spectrum Pharmacies.
Pharmacy hours are:
Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest & I-78
610-402-8444 • Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sat. & Sun. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Lehigh Valley Hospital–17th & Chew Streets
610-402-2780 Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg
484-884-7004 • Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sat. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
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Home Health Care: If you are homebound, your case manager can make referrals to home health providers.
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Hospice: Your case manager can make referrals to inpatient or home hospice services.
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Referrals to County Agencies: There are many county agencies that may be able to assist you when you return home, including Meals on Wheels, Area Agency on Aging and Adult Services. Your case manager can describe their services and refer you to the appropriate agency.
Please remember that your case manager will try to make the best possible recommendation for your care when you leave the hospital; however, we must work within the medical orders given by your doctor and facilities and services approved by your insurance.
This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
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