Which term describes the systematic process of preparing the patient to leave a health care facility and maintaining continuity of care?

Which term describes the systematic process of preparing the patient to leave a health care facility and maintaining continuity of care?

• A. Insurance verification
• B. Prior Authorization
• C. Discharge planning
• D. Triage

Answer: (C)

Discharge planning is the systematic process of preparing the patient to leave a health care facility and maintaining continuity of care. It starts during the hospital stay and continues after discharge, coordinating follow-up appointments, arranging post-acute services (like home health or rehabilitation), ensuring medications are reconciled and understood, and teaching the patient and caregivers what to watch for at home. The goal is a safe, seamless transition that supports ongoing recovery and reduces the chance of readmission. Insurance verification is about confirming coverage for services, not coordinating post-discharge care. Prior Authorization involves obtaining payer approval for specific services, not the transition process. Triage is about prioritizing patient needs in an emergency, not planning post-discharge care.

Discharge planning is the systematic process of preparing the patient to leave a health care facility and maintaining continuity of care. It starts during the hospital stay and continues after discharge, coordinating follow-up appointments, arranging post-acute services (like home health or rehabilitation), ensuring medications are reconciled and understood, and teaching the patient and caregivers what to watch for at home. The goal is a safe, seamless transition that supports ongoing recovery and reduces the chance of readmission.

Insurance verification is about confirming coverage for services, not coordinating post-discharge care. Prior Authorization involves obtaining payer approval for specific services, not the transition process. Triage is about prioritizing patient needs in an emergency, not planning post-discharge care.