Abstract: Comprehensive Urological Discharge Program (WOCN Society 41st Annual Conference (June 6- June 10, 2009))

3331 Comprehensive Urological Discharge Program

Jacqueline Thorne, RN, BSN, CWOCN , Baptist Health North Little Rock, RN CWOCN, North Little Rock, AR
Mindy Brewer, ARNP , Children's Urology Associates, ARNP for Children's Urology clinic, Hollywood, FL
As the challenges of insurance reimbursement have become more convoluted, WOCNs within the healthcare institutions and clinics have taken on more complex roles.  WOCNs, discharge planners and social workers must find unique avenues to coordinate ongoing patient care after discharge.  Private industry discharge planning programs have helped to alleviate some of this uncertainty and dysfunction in order to improve a patient’s continuity of care.
Private industry coordinates discharge planning for provision of urological supplies and additionally patient education and support in order to simplify the process of fulfilling a patient’s discharge needs.  The patient and the provider are afforded the much needed security and comfort of knowing that the first and all future orders will be met.  Such programs allow WOCNs and discharge coordinators the opportunity to concentrate on patient care without cumbersome insurance verification.  Various nurse and patient testimonials will be presented as support for the use of this program in order to ensure appropriate patient outcomes.  WOCNs and other healthcare workers will be provided with education on the simplicity and importance of this comprehensive urological discharge program.
With the abatement of ancillary staff within healthcare, it is imperative that alternatives or compliments to discharge programs be addressed.  Private industry has the means and desire to assist with long-term patient care in order to improve quality of care and patient satisfaction.  With private industry collaborating in patient discharge needs, the healthcare worker can attend more closely to quality patient care, and the patient is assured of seamless delivery of product and post discharge support.