You’re finally home from the emergency room. You may be tired, relieved, or still wondering exactly what happened. Somewhere in the paperwork is an instruction to “follow up with your doctor.”
That sounds simple—until you’re trying to figure out who to call, how soon you need an appointment, and what you’re supposed to bring.
Start with the instructions your ER team gave you. The steps below can help you get organized.
Read your discharge instructions
Your discharge paperwork explains the plan for care after you leave. Look for instructions about medications, activity, follow-up appointments, and symptoms that mean you need medical help.
If something is unclear, call the number on your paperwork. You don’t have to guess what an instruction means.
Keep the papers somewhere easy to find. If a family member or friend is helping you at home, go through the instructions together. MedlinePlus explains what a discharge plan should include.
Call to arrange your follow-up
Follow the timing recommended by your ER team. The right timing depends on why you were seen, your treatment, and your medical history.
When you call your doctor’s office, explain that you were recently in the ER. You can say:
“I was seen in the emergency room on Tuesday, and my discharge instructions say to follow up this week. Can someone help me arrange that?”
Mention any specialist appointments or repeat tests listed in your paperwork, too.
If your regular doctor cannot see you within the recommended time, ask the office what they advise. If you don’t have a doctor, contact the discharge number for help finding follow-up care.
Get your medication questions answered
Your medication plan may have changed during your visit. Check your discharge instructions for what to take, what changed, and whether anything was stopped.
If the paperwork and prescription label don’t agree—or you’re unsure how a new prescription fits with medicines you already take—contact the prescriber or pharmacist promptly. Let them know if you cannot fill a prescription.
For your follow-up appointment, prepare a list of everything you take, including nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and supplements. AHRQ’s guide to leaving the hospital includes tools for organizing medicines and questions.
Bring your paperwork and your questions
Bring your discharge instructions, medication list, and any test results or reports you were given. Let the office know which emergency room treated you and the date of your visit.
Write down what you want to discuss. A few notes on your phone are enough:
- What has improved since I came home?
- What symptoms are still bothering me?
- Are there test results I’m waiting for?
- Do I need another test or a specialist appointment?
- When can I return to my usual activities?
You don’t need to know the medical terms. “I’m still dizzy when I stand up” gives your clinician something useful to work with. Preparing questions ahead of time can help you remember what matters during the visit. AHRQ offers an appointment question guide.
Know when you shouldn’t wait
Follow-up appointments are for care that can safely take place outside the emergency room.
Call 911 for symptoms such as severe trouble breathing, new or severe chest pain, signs of a stroke, or bleeding that will not stop. Stroke signs can include sudden face drooping, arm weakness, or difficulty speaking.
This is not a complete list. Follow the return precautions in your discharge instructions, and seek prompt medical advice for new or worsening symptoms. Don’t wait for a scheduled appointment if you think you’re having an emergency. MedlinePlus describes common signs of a medical emergency.
Need help arranging your next appointment?
Follow Up Dr. is a transitional care clinic for follow-up after an ER visit or hospital stay, bridging the time until you reconnect with your primary care clinician.
If you’re looking for that next step, contact Follow Up Dr. to ask about an appointment. Tell the team when you were discharged and what follow-up your instructions recommend.
An appointment request is not a confirmed appointment. Our team will confirm availability and the appropriate visit type.
This article provides general information. Follow the instructions given by your treating clinicians.