Hospital Discharge Planning Kit

Discharge day moves fast and most of it happens while you are in the parking structure. Then you are home with a stapled packet and a follow-up appointment in nine days.

Print this hospital discharge checklist and planning kit before you go back to the hospital. It is the difference between a smooth two weeks and a readmission.

What you get

• The 22 questions to ask the discharge nurse before you leave the room
• Medication reconciliation worksheet: what changed, what stopped, what is new
• Red-flag symptom sheet with a clear line between call the office and call 911
• Home setup checklist for the first 72 hours, room by room
• Home health and equipment tracker: who was ordered, who has actually called
• Insurance appeal letter template for a discharge you believe is too early
• Two-week daily log to bring to the follow-up appointment

Who this is for

Families facing a discharge in the next week, and anyone who has already been through a readmission and does not want a second one.

Delivery

Instant PDF download, so you can print it in the hospital lobby if that is where you are right now.

Common questions

What if I think the discharge is too soon?
If your parent has Medicare, read the notice called An Important Message from Medicare and call the Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) listed on it by midnight of the discharge day. The kit walks you through the call, and our guide explains how to appeal a hospital discharge under Medicare.

Is it useful if my parent is in observation status?
Yes. The kit explains the difference between observation and inpatient status and why it matters for rehab coverage.

Can I fill it in on my computer?
It is designed to be printed and filled in by hand. You can print it at home or at any copy shop on US Letter paper.

Is this medical or legal advice?
No. It is educational material that helps you organize information and ask better questions. Always follow the advice of your loved one’s doctors, attorney and insurance plan.

Made by Tend & Keep. Medicare, tax and benefit figures reviewed October 2026 and updated every January.