Need help finding a provider?
Use our online provider search or call the Customer Care Center number on the back of your insurance card.
After a hospital stay, you may receive a call from one of our trained care managers. Our care managers provide free education and coordinate resources to help with mental health and/or substance use concerns.
After an emergency room visit or hospital stay
Schedule and keep follow-up appointments
Patients often ask why they should see their health care provider after an emergency room visit or hospital stay. There are many reasons why it’s a good idea. Here are a few:
- It’s important for your provider to know the reason for your visit or stay, and the care you got while there.
- Timely follow-ups allow you and your provider to talk about next steps for your recovery.
- You can get help in planning self-care activities to avoid going back.
Follow-up appointments are most important within seven days of leaving the emergency room or hospital. Make sure to follow-up with your primary care provider or a mental health practitioner depending on the care you received.
What to expect during a follow-up appointment
Your health care provider may ask:
- How are you feeling today?
- What are your goals for the follow-up appointment?
- What was the reason for your visit or stay?
- What medications are you taking, and on what schedule?
- What does your support system look like?
Your healthcare provider may also:
- Review any medications you're taking and adjust, if needed.
- Share results of any hospital tests that were done.
- Talk about, or review, your Wellness Recovery Action Plan.
- Schedule your next follow-up appointment, if needed.
In some cases, a follow-up appointment can take place on the same day a patient leaves the hospital. It may be a home or telehealth visit or take place at a mental health center.