Hospital discharge alone?

[JPinNH 0]

Hello, I won't go into the whole story, but basically I'm a self pay patient because my insurance sucks and would have to travel pretty far out of state to get my surgery. Problem with this is that I don't really have anyone I can bring with me on such a trek. Does anyone know if there are any services (nursing, caregiver, etc) that I could reliably hire to help have me discharged from the hospital post-surgery so I don't have to sign an AMA?

[GradyCat 3,697]

If you're going to be staying overnight, they should let you drive yourself to and from without question. Its only if it's outpatient with anesthesia that they won't let you drive yourself home. I would think Home Instead might be a service you could use if absolutely necessary.

[Jaelzion 1,129]

I was discharged alone for my recent knee replacement. The hospital was NOT happy with that, but as GradyCat mentioned, since I had stayed overnight there was no real reason against it. I wasn't required to sign an AMA waiver or anything. They just asked me a million times if I was SURE there wasn't someone I could call to come get me? I went home via Uber. I definitely wouldn't have been able to drive but you're having a different procedure so YMMV.

[Mr Alley Gator 263]

I just walked out on my own same Self Pay no issue Just call UBER if it is and have him drive you to your car.

[Hellie1028 20]

I was self pay also and ran into the same issue. The hospital wouldn’t allow an Uber or cab because I would have been at risk of being taken advantage of. I found a website at care.com. It costs to join but you can hire the level of care you need from applicants.

[2Bsmaller18 437]

A home health agency might be really expensive. I would suggest looking into Care.com. They might have someone listed that has a lot of recommendations and can drive you and stay with you a few hours to help you get settled. They have baby sitters but senior care helpers as well and someone that works with seniors will have experience helping you physically get up stairs if you are dizzy or put your shoes on and off etc. They can help you set up your nightstand items and pillows within reach or anything else you may need help with.