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If you’ve suffered a serious injury, especially a spinal cord injury, your road to recovery is bound to be filled with unfamiliar terms. One of these is “discharge summary,” which refers to a document that works to ensure you receive appropriate care after you leave the hospital. You may wonder, however, “What does a discharge summary for spinal cord injuries mean, in particular?” Here’s a closer look.
What Does a Discharge Summary for Spinal Cord Injuries Mean?
When you get hurt in a car accident or other injurious incident, you’re likely to go to an emergency room for medical care. Once you leave the hospital, you will receive a document called a discharge summary, which (in the event of a spinal cord injury) usually includes information about the following aspects:
Why You Went to the Hospital
If you visited the hospital for a suspected spinal cord injury, your discharge summary will likely include a synopsis of the accident or other event that caused the injury. It should also mention the symptoms you had when you arrived and a brief explanation of your overall condition at the time of discharge.
Details of the Care You Received at the Hospital
Your discharge summary will also include details of the care you received. These may include the following:
- X-rays or other diagnostic tests
- Any medication you received
- A neurological assessment to determine the severity of the injury
- Stabilization and immobilization
- Surgery
If you intend to seek compensation for a spinal cord injury, you will need documentation of the injury and the care you received, and it is this part of your discharge summary that will often play an important role in that regard.
Your Diagnosis
If your doctors have a definitive diagnosis for your injury, they will generally include it on your discharge summary. If they aren’t sure of your exact diagnosis, they may list a few possibilities.
Post-Discharge Care Instructions for You and Your Family
Furthermore, your discharge summary will include instructions for taking any prescribed medications, as well as what you and your family can do to help as you continue to heal.
Instructions for Follow-Up Care
When it comes to spinal cord injuries, your hospital visit is often just the beginning. Your discharge summary should include instructions for scheduling and attending follow-up appointments.
Have You Suffered Serious Spinal Cord Injuries?
It’s always important to pay attention to your discharge summary after receiving any kind of medical care. With injuries as serious as spinal cord injuries, though, doing so becomes even more critical.
If your spinal cord injuries were the result of another person’s negligence, you might consider pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, as it may be able to help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other associated expenses.
If you’re still curious and wondering, “What does a discharge summary for spinal cord injuries mean for me?” The team at The Law Office of Elliott Kanter APC can help you understand the document and its potential importance in your future lawsuit. Give us a call at 619-231-1883 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today.
Spinal Cord Injury FAQ
What Does a Discharge Summary for Spinal Cord Injuries Mean?
A discharge summary is a document that includes important information about your visit to a hospital. A discharge summary for spinal cord injuries, in particular, will typically include your diagnosis, any procedures you had or medication you received at the hospital, and instructions for follow-up care.
Why Does a Discharge Summary Matter in a Personal Injury Claim?
If you file a personal injury claim or lawsuit for your spinal cord injury, you need extensive documentation of that injury. Your discharge summary will provide a solid amount of such proof, and it will also show that you sought immediate medical care after suffering an injury.
