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    Printable checklist

    Before Discharge: What to Ask Today

    A family-facing checklist for DME, STR/SNF, home health, authorization, network status, patient cost, and backup plans. Print it or save it as a PDF before calling the case manager or insurer.

    Full guide
    Use this first

    The six questions that prevent discharge confusion

    The goal is not to argue. The goal is to identify the payer rule, missing step, patient cost, and backup option before the patient leaves.

    1. 1What level of care is being recommended: home, home health, SNF/STR, inpatient rehab, assisted living, or long-term care?
    2. 2What exactly has insurance approved, denied, or not decided yet?
    3. 3Is prior authorization required? If yes, what is the reference number and current status?
    4. 4Which facility, agency, supplier, pharmacy, or transport company is in network?
    5. 5What is the expected patient cost: deductible, copay, coinsurance, daily rate, private-pay price, or noncovered item?
    6. 6What is the backup plan if authorization, placement, equipment delivery, or home health acceptance fails?
    Service-specific questions

    Ask the right question for the service being denied or delayed

    Use the section that matches the discharge problem. Not every family needs every question.

    DME / equipment

    • Who is writing the order?
    • Which supplier is covered or in network?
    • Is the item rental or purchase?
    • Can it be delivered before discharge?

    SNF / STR

    • What skilled need supports the stay?
    • How many days are approved right now?
    • What is the daily copay?
    • What happens if progress stalls?

    Home health

    • Which agency accepted?
    • When is the first visit expected?
    • Which services are ordered?
    • What help is not covered?

    Insurance / appeal

    • What rule or criteria was not met?
    • Can we get the denial in writing?
    • Is expedited appeal available?
    • What documentation could change the decision?
    Call notes
    Hospital discharge call notes table
    Name / rolePhone numberReference numberWhat they saidNext step / deadline
         
         
         
         

    Need the full explanation?

    Open the full guide for the coverage translator, SNF/STR rules, discharge checklist builder, and denial explanations.

    Open full guide

    Coverage denied?

    Use the prior authorization guide when a plan says a medication, imaging test, procedure, rehab stay, DME, or service needs approval or was denied.

    Prior authorization guide