Visit your PCP after hospitalization.

Follow-ups can help ensure your best health.

If you've recently been to the emergency room or spent time in the hospital, it’s important to schedule a follow-up visit with your primary care provider (PCP). This is especially true if you live with a chronic condition such as diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease. This step is often overlooked, but it can make a big difference in how well and how quickly you recover.

Why a follow-up visit matters.

Seeing your doctor within a week or two after discharge gives your doctor a chance to check on your progress, explain any changes to your treatment plan, and make sure your medications are correct. Many patients leave the hospital with new prescriptions or instructions that can be confusing. A follow-up visit is your opportunity to ask questions, get clarity, and avoid mistakes that could lead to serious problems or even another trip to the hospital.

Follow-up visits improve outcomes.

Research shows that patients who follow up with their doctor soon after a hospital stay are less likely to end up back in the hospital. One study found that reviewing medications and care plans during follow-ups helped prevent dangerous drug interactions and improved recovery.¹ Kripalani et al., 2007.

Schedule your follow-up today.

If you’ve just been discharged, don’t wait—please call your doctor’s office today to schedule a follow-up. It’s a simple step that can help you stay on track and protect your health in the long run.¹ Kripalani, S., et al. (2007). Ann Intern Med, 147(8), 563–570.