When Things Go Wrong – You Can’t Get To Your Doctor’s Office

(To view the case of the original post, go to Case 1.)

Follow-up care is essential to assure good outcomes, but for some people getting a ride to the doctor can be a problem.  So, put yourself in Susan’s shoes.  If you couldn’t drive yourself, what would you do?  Here are some options:

• Most would jump at the chance to be of help.  After all, some day you may be able to return the favor. 
• Depending on where you live that could be quite expensive or cumbersome. 
• Contact them to find out.
• The social workers there are aware of all sorts of programs in the community to help its citizens with a variety of needs, such as transportation. 
• He may know of another way to address your transportation difficulty.

I used Case 1 under Cases To Consider to describe an actual situation that a real person faced after she came home from the hospital.  I named her Susan and outlined the problems she encountered getting the care she was supposed to get along with how I would overcome those obstacles.   I hope you found these to be useful in understanding some of the important components of a hospital discharge and how to work within the healthcare system to stay your healthiest.  I welcome your comments and questions. 

For Your Health – Dr. Bob