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A vendor of Express Scripts, Berkeley Research Group, experienced a cybersecurity issue in February 2025. To learn more, view their notice. 

Caring for Your Health After a Hospital Visit

Whenever you get care in the Emergency Room (ER) or have a hospital stay, it is important to follow up with a provider after you get home. Your providers want to help you have a smooth recovery and avoid a return trip to the ER or hospital.

Before you leave the hospital, make a plan to see your provider for follow-up care within a week (7 days) of discharge.

At your follow-up visit, your provider will:

  • Listen to any concerns you have about caring for yourself during recovery
  • Check that you are feeling better and getting stronger   
  • Coordinate specialist care, therapy or medical equipment you need
  • Watch for complications after treatment or surgery        
  • Make sure your medications work together safely

Getting Follow-Up Care

Your hospital care team is there to help you! They will work with you to create a personal discharge plan before you go home. Your plan will be in writing. It will include scheduled follow-up visits with the providers you need to see.

Behavioral health includes mental health issues like anxiety, depression, panic disorders and self-harm. It also includes substance use disorders, like using illegal drugs or using prescription medicines and alcohol unsafely.

If you went to the ER or were admitted to the hospital for a behavioral health need, you’ll want to follow up with a provider who treats that condition. Follow-up care might include:

  • Outpatient in-person or telehealth visits with a licensed counselor, licensed therapist or psychiatrist
  • Community and support services like peer support, day treatment or a Collaborative Care Management (CoCM) program
  • Outpatient treatment programs like Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) or Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF)
  • Certain mental health screenings and treatment planning

Physical health includes serious medical issues with your body like heart attacks, strokes, trouble breathing, broken bones, and pregnancy complications.

  • In most cases, you’ll want to follow up with your Primary Care Provider (PCP). They are your personal doctor. Your PCP can connect you with any specialists you need to see. Find a PCP.
  • If you are pregnant and your medical need was related to your pregnancy, follow up with your OB/GYN. Find an OB/GYN.
If you are sent home from the hospital without a follow-up visit already scheduled, call Member Services at 1-866-595-8133 (TTY: 711). We’re here to help Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

We’re here to support your recovery.

  • Need help making an appointment with the right provider? Call Member Services at 1-866-595-8133 (TTY: 711). We can help Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Have a health question? Call our 24/7 Nurse Advice Line at 1-866-595-8133 (TTY: 711). Our registered nurses can help night or day, even weekends and holidays!
  • Feeling overwhelmed, scared or out of control? Call the 24/7 Louisiana Crisis Hub at 1-844-677-7553 (TTY: 711). A mental health specialist is always ready to listen.
  • Need a ride to your follow-up visit? If you don’t have your own transportation, call 1-855-369-3723 (TTY: 711), Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Be sure to schedule at least 48 hours (2 business days) before your appointment. Learn more about getting medical transportation.