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Patient Welcome Letter

Welcome to West Tennessee Healthcare

It is our pleasure to serve you in your time of medical need.  We strive as an organization to be true to our calling, seeking to make our patients healthier when it matters the most. Because we want you to get better and return home as soon as possible, we outline below some important things that you need to know.

Actively Better

Getting better requires activity. If you were active before coming into the hospital, then getting active again as soon as possible is very important. Work with your physicians, nurses, physical therapists, etc., on becoming more mobile every day.

Getting Well

Getting completely well will likely not be accomplished while you are in the hospital, but we do expect that when you leave, you will be well enough to continue to improve after discharge.

Expectations for Discharge Timing

Patients get better at different speeds. Because of that, it is best to plan for a discharge that could happen any day. Every patient and family should plan their strategy to return home or to the most appropriate level of care.

What comes after discharge?

  • Going Home. If you came to the hospital from home, we hope that you will be well enough to go back home to care for yourself at discharge. Your Case Manager will assist you with any home services that you may need at discharge; such as Home Health services, outpatient services or durable medical equipment, home oxygen, etc.
  • Going Somewhere other than Home. If there is a need and if you qualify, it may be appropriate to go to a facility that will continue your path to wellness.  It is very important to recognize this need as early as possible.  Insurance authorization may take several days. While patients have choices, not all choices are available to every patient.  Your hospital healthcare team will work with your insurance to balance what your medical needs are with insurance rules.

Follow-up Care

Our hospital healthcare team will work with you on getting a follow-up appointment with your outpatient healthcare provider and specialists at the time of discharge.  If you do not have a regular healthcare provider, we will try to work with you to find someone who can help you manage your path to wellness after you have left the hospital.

Medications at Discharge

It is rare that a patient is discharged from the hospital without some additions or changes to their medicine list.  Please make sure that we know the name and location of the pharmacy you use.   We will electronically prescribe any new medications at the time of discharge.  If you have concerns about your ability to pay for your new medications, please let us know well in advance so that we can explore alternatives to help you stay well.

Your Experience is Important to Us!

Our goal is to exceed your expectations in all aspects of your care. After your stay, you may receive a survey via mail, email, or text message from number 91994 regarding your visit. Your experience is very important to us, and we value your feedback. Please take the time to complete the survey. The information you provide helps us to make improvements where needed and to recognize those who provide exceptional care. Thank you for choosing West Tennessee Healthcare!