Leaving the Hospital Against Medical Advice (AMA): What You Should Know

Leaving a hospital against medical advice (AMA) means choosing to leave before your doctor recommends discharge. While you have the right to leave, it's important to understand the risks and implications.

Your Right to Leave

• Competent adults have the legal right to leave the hospital at any time
• No hospital can physically prevent you from leaving (unless you're under a legal psychiatric hold or court order)
• Your right to leave is part of your broader right to refuse treatment

Why Patients Leave AMA

• Feeling better and wanting to go home
• Dissatisfaction with care or communication with staff
• Financial concerns about accumulating hospital costs
• Family or work responsibilities
• Discomfort with the hospital environment
• Disagreement with the treatment plan
• Long wait times for procedures or test results

Risks of Leaving AMA

• Health risks: Your condition may worsen without continued treatment or monitoring
• Readmission: Patients who leave AMA have higher rates of hospital readmission
• Complications: Untreated conditions can lead to serious or life-threatening complications
• Incomplete treatment: Medications may not be fully administered, infections may not be resolved

Common Myths About Leaving AMA

Myth: Insurance Won't Pay If You Leave AMA

This is largely a myth. In most cases:

• Insurance companies generally cover medically necessary services you already received
• Medicare will pay for covered services provided during your stay regardless of AMA discharge
• However, check with your specific insurer to understand your coverage

Myth: You Waive Your Rights by Signing the AMA Form

• The AMA form documents that you were informed of the risks — it doesn't waive your legal rights
• You can still seek care and return to the hospital
• You can still file complaints about the care you received

The AMA Process

If you decide to leave AMA:

• Your doctor will explain the risks of leaving
• You'll be asked to sign an AMA form acknowledging the risks
• You can leave even if you refuse to sign the form
• Ask for discharge instructions, prescriptions, and follow-up information
• Ask about medications you should take at home

Alternatives to Leaving AMA

• Discuss your concerns with your doctor — there may be solutions you haven't considered
• Ask about outpatient alternatives to continued hospitalization
• Speak with a patient advocate about your concerns
• Request a different doctor if communication is the issue
• Ask about estimated remaining length of stay

Data sourced from CMS. Visit Medicare Care Compare or call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Always discuss your concerns with your healthcare team before leaving the hospital.