Helping your Medicare Advantage HMO patients and their caregivers plan for a hospital discharge can reduce your patients' anxiety levels and avoid future complications, promoting smoother recoveries.

Your Discharge Planning Checklist: For patients and their caregivers preparing to leave a hospital, nursing home, or other care setting (Checklist) is an online guide provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to assist patients and their caregivers in preparing for a hospital discharge.

The Checklist is a tool that provides information and resources, including details for your patients and their caregiver(s) to consider, such as arranging for any necessary medications, medical equipment, groceries, prescriptions, and bathing and dressing needs. There are also useful forms included to help patients keep track of medications and appointments.

Certain items on the Checklist are dedicated to providing emotional support, such as access to social workers, support groups, help in making long-term care decisions, and financial guidance.

The Checklist also provides a comprehensive list of agencies and community services (such as home-delivered meals and rides to appointments), along with websites and phone numbers that members can call for assistance.

To download the Checklist or for more information, visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.