After Your Stay
When You Leave
Patients at St. Joseph’s will not be discharged before their health care providers determine they are medically ready. When you are able to be discharged, please note the following:
- Discharge Time: Please plan on checking out prior to 11 a.m. on the day of your discharge. This will allow time to prepare the room for other patients.
- Pick Up: Please instruct family members to pick you up at the hospital’s main entrance. No vehicle may be left unattended in the circle, so your family member will have to inform the security guard that he or she has arrived. The guard will alert your nursing unit and a staff member will bring you and your belongings to the main entrance. If your family member wishes to come to your unit on the day of discharge to help carry your belongings or listen to your discharge instructions, he or she must park at a meter on the street or in the parking garage. When you are brought down to the main entrance, your family member can pull the vehicle into the circle.
myStJosephs Patient Portal
myStJosephs is a free and secure way for patients to conveniently access their electronic medical records and test results all from the convenience and privacy of your own home—24 hours a day, seven days a week. Learn more or sign up!
Recognize a Colleague
St. Joseph's team strives to make your stay with us as comfortable as possible. If one of our staff made an outstanding impression on you, let them know by completing our brief employee recognition form.
Pay Your Bill
It's easy to make a payment online.
Medical Records
St. Joseph’s Health uses a state-of-the-art electronic medical record system. This creates a more secure environment for health information, however, still provides immediate access for physicians to review the patient's medical record.
Financial Assistance
Health care bills can be challenging for some, especially to those who do not have insurance to pay for them. At St. Joseph’s Health we understand how confusing medical bills can be and have trained financial counselors who can help you understand your financial responsibility and the payment options available to you.
Support Groups
St. Joseph’s Health offers several free support groups and health management programs for patients and their family members.
Planning for Your Discharge
Whether or not you will need additional medical help after discharge depends on your diagnosis, type of surgery, living arrangements, etc. Following your hospital stay, your daily routine may be different and your activities may be restricted while you recover. Some patients require continued services after their hospital stay. There are a variety of resources available, including home health care, and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. Your case manager will discuss the options with you during your hospitalization.
Early planning for your post-hospital care will help ensure you recover quickly and prepare you for your next phase of care. Some of the things you may need to consider are medical equipment or supplies, dietary needs, availability of assistance from family or friends, the need for follow-up care or therapy, and by whom and where this care will be provided.
A nurse will discuss your discharge options with you and your family soon after you are admitted. Although discharge planning is done in consultation with your attending physician, hospital staff, and your family members or friends, you are primarily responsible for planning your discharge.
If you have any questions regarding your discharge options, contact the care management office at (315) 448-5678.