How to Prepare for a Hospital Stay: Complete Patient Checklist

Preparing for a planned hospital stay reduces anxiety and helps ensure a smoother experience. This comprehensive checklist covers everything from pre-admission paperwork to what to pack and how to plan for your recovery at home.

Before Your Hospital Stay

Medical Preparation

• Pre-admission testing: Complete all required blood work, imaging, and other tests before your admission date
• Medication review: Discuss all medications (including supplements and over-the-counter drugs) with your surgeon or physician — some may need to be stopped before surgery
• Advance directives: Complete a living will and healthcare power of attorney if you don't already have these documents
• Pre-operative instructions: Follow all dietary restrictions and fasting requirements precisely
• Allergies: Ensure all drug and food allergies are documented in your medical record

Insurance and Financial Preparation

• Verify your hospital and surgeon are in your insurance network
• Obtain pre-authorization from your insurance company if required
• Ask about estimated out-of-pocket costs and payment options
• Inquire about financial assistance programs if needed
• Bring your insurance card and a photo ID

Home Preparation

• Arrange transportation home (you will not be able to drive after surgery or anesthesia)
• Set up a recovery area at home with easy access to essentials
• Stock up on groceries, medications, and supplies you'll need during recovery
• Arrange for help with childcare, pet care, or household tasks during your recovery
• Prepare meals in advance or arrange meal delivery

What to Bring to the Hospital

Essential Items

• Insurance card and photo identification
• Complete list of current medications with dosages
• Advance directive documents
• Emergency contact information
• A small amount of cash for incidentals

Comfort Items

• Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes for going home
• Non-slip slippers or socks
• Personal toiletries (toothbrush, lip balm, hair ties)
• Phone and charger
• Reading material or entertainment
• Earplugs and eye mask for better sleep

What to Leave at Home

• Jewelry and valuables
• Large amounts of cash
• Contact lenses (bring glasses instead for surgery days)

During Your Hospital Stay

• Ask questions: Don't hesitate to ask your care team about your treatment plan, medications, and next steps
• Hand hygiene: Request that everyone who enters your room washes or sanitizes their hands
• Fall prevention: Use the call button rather than getting up alone, especially at night or after medication
• Pain management: Communicate your pain level honestly so your team can manage it effectively
• Track your care: Keep notes on medications given, tests performed, and instructions received

Preparing for Discharge

• Understand all discharge instructions before leaving
• Know what medications you need to take and how to take them
• Schedule all follow-up appointments before leaving the hospital
• Know the warning signs that should prompt you to call your doctor or return to the hospital
• Confirm your ride home is arranged

Choosing a Quality Hospital

Before a planned hospital stay, research hospital quality using Medicare Care Compare. Compare star ratings, safety grades, and patient experience scores to ensure you're receiving care at a high-quality facility.

Data sourced from CMS and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Visit Medicare Care Compare for hospital quality data.

Disclaimer: This checklist provides general guidance and does not replace specific instructions from your healthcare provider. Always follow your physician's pre-operative and post-operative instructions.