Discharge Coordinator

Discharge Coordinator

Job Description:

Position Summary:
The Discharge Coordinator’s job is to assist/support the Case Manager in ensuring that a patient's transition from the hospital to another level of care is successful. This would include transfer to LTAC, SNF, ECF, Assisted Living, B & C, home or other destinations as outlined in the Discharge Care Plan assessment. In addition, the Discharge Coordinator is to assist/coordinate durable medical equipment and transportation arrangements upon patient discharge as delegated. This position reports to the Director of Utilization Review.


Responsibilities:

• Receives discharge planning orders per department protocol
• Assists in contacting outside facilities for bed availability and fax referral forms in order to find an appropriate facility for the patient’s continued care.
• When patients are on Administrative Days or are difficult placement patients and multiple facilities are being requested, complete the referral log per department protocol.
• Sets up transportation as needed for discharge or transfer to other hospitals for tests/surgeries or other needs.
• Transportation may require a call to the patient/family to verify address/number of stairs.
• Completes ambulance envelope for nursing unit per department protocol, delivers to unit, and provides handover to nurse caring for the patient.
• Works with CM/PT/OT to set up DME for use at home and in the community.
• Sets up Home Health as ordered by the physician and use the contracted providers as outlined by the insurance companies.
• Offers patients and their families a list of choices for any DC needs such as SNF’s, Home Health Agencies, Transportation and or DME if required.
• Works with the Case Manager and the insurance companies/Health Plans and Medical Groups to ensure arrangements made are a covered benefit. If not, works with Social Services/Case Managers to find other community resources as needed.
• Keeps accurate records and notes so that other health-care professionals can see what is needed or what is in place. Good communication skills are essential (both oral and written).
• In order to prevent a discharge delay, when a discrepancy occurs immediately seeks
  clarification from the case manager or supervisor.
• Works well in team situations including members of the health care team and outside vendors to ensure safe and smooth transition at discharge.
• Assists and supports the Case Manager with the issuing of the 2^nd IM letters as outlined in the department’s Policy Manual.
• Other duties as required.

Expectations:

• Assures patient/family rights are respected and fulfills the Medical Center’s Patient Safety Philosophy.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient information and Medical Center business matters.
• Complies with all established policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates and understands personal and department role in the security, health, life and safety plans.
• Safeguards self/others and physical plant and equipment.
• Actively participates in ways to prevent customer complaints and dissatisfaction with services.
• Focuses attention and actions on what is best for the patient or customer.
• Attempts to identify all customer needs and tries to meet and/or exceed expectations.
• Interacts with all customers in a caring manner.
• Contact with others is polite and proactive.
• Promotes a positive teamwork environment.
• Creates closure after interactions.
• Communicates effectively in a positive, respectful and concise manner

Requirements:

• Associate’s degree preferred.
• 1-2 years’ experience in coordinating patient’s continuation of care post discharge in the acute hospital setting preferred.
• Knowledge of Medi-caid, Medi-care and insurance company procedures.
• Excellent communication skills and problem solving ability.
• Knowledge of medical terminology required.
• Strong computer skills; Proficient in MS Office preferred.
• Electronic medical record experience preferred.