Discharged from the emergency room? Here’s what you need to know.

When you go home from the emergency room (ER), the last thing you probably want to think about is having to go back. Sometimes, it’s unavoidable. But there are simple steps you can take to lower your chance of making a repeat trip.

Here, experts share their tips for staying healthy in the days, weeks, and months following a visit to the ER.

Pro tip #1: Understand your diagnosis and instructions for care

Let’s face it: Being in the emergency room can be overwhelming. And people often leave without a clear understanding of what happened to them and what it all means, according to internist Lynn McNicoll, MD, director of geriatrics at The Miriam Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island.

For example, you may have gone to the ER because you were experiencing symptoms like a fever, cough, or shortness of breath. But do you fully understand your test results? Was your doctor clear about your diagnosis? Being engaged in conversations with your doctor will help prepare you to care for yourself once you’re discharged, says Dr. McNicoll.

If you’re worried about being overwhelmed by the doctor’s orders, or if you don’t believe you’ll be fully ready to absorb their directions, don’t hesitate to ask a friend or family member to join you for the consultation to jot down notes. 

Pro tip #2: Schedule follow-up appointments with your primary care provider (PCP)

When calling to make an appointment after discharge, let the office know that you were just seen in the ER. Research shows that visiting your PCP within seven days of an ER discharge reduces return rates.

Your doctor will review your progress since your emergency room visit and take a look at your medications to identify if there are issues or questions. She or he can catch any potential complications early, including medication-specific issues, says Dr. McNicoll. If you can’t see your doctor within a week, Dr. McNicoll recommends at least scheduling an appointment within 14 days.

Pro tip #3: Prioritize hygiene at home

Infection of a wound or other illness can sometimes send people back to the hospital.

You can prevent infection by doing simple things like washing your hands and limiting contact with others who do not feel well. Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water, especially before eating and after using the bathroom. Always wash your hands before touching a wound, IV or catheter, and ask loved ones to wash their hands as well. 

Pro tip #4: Be aware if something feels off

Following your discharge, look out for symptoms like a fever, pain, or signs of infection like redness, warmth, or discharge around a wound or incision. Ask your doctor about any red flags you should be aware of during recovery. 

Pro tip #5: Track medication changes

It’s important to understand any new medications you were prescribed. This should include getting a clear explanation as to why you’re taking the medication, what it does, possible side effects, interactions with other medications, and changes to your previous medication regimen, says Dr. McNicoll.

“Often, people will have different medications, but they’ll continue old medications and then there will be duplicates,” she says. “That’s where a lot of errors happen, which often leads to a trip back to the emergency room.”

Pro tip #6: Stay active 

Moving around as best as you can will help your body heal faster, says Dr. McNicoll. The key here is listening to your body and allowing it to have both the rest and movement it needs to recover. “We don’t want people to lie in bed all day because they’ll get weaker,” she says. “If their body is telling them they need to rest, they should rest, but in between naps don’t just lie there. Get up and be active.”

You should always seek your PCP’s advice on the level of activity you are permitted to do.

Pro tip #7: Eat nutritious foods 

You need nutrients even when you’re not feeling hungry. Although it’s important to consult your doctor on what types of foods you should be eating post-discharge, aim to have protein and carbs at each meal. Drink plenty of water and other liquids, including soup. Avoid any overly sugary foods and limit, or discontinue, alcohol intake.  

A little self-care can go a long way to helping you heal at home. When in doubt, reach out to your health care team for guidance.