How much say does patient have in E.R. on discharge?

[Jfpinell]

I've been trying to figure this out for awhile...how much, if any, say does a person who was taken to the E.R. have on if they're well enough to go? Awhile ago, I had a seizure in public, found myself in the E.R. (of course) and after a bit, they told me I could go. The problem is, I wasn't "into it" enough to really know where I was. I knew I was in the E.R. but I couldn't yet totally comprehend anything except the phrase "you're good to go now" (or words to that effect). I tried to tell the Dr. that I didn't feel all that good yet, but they more or less insisted with discharge instructions. Well, not being "into it" enough to understand what to say, I started leaving. The problem is, I wound up walking out the wrong door, walking all the way around the building trying to "get my bearings" as to where exactly I was!
All I could think after I was fully alert again was; "What in blazes would've happened if I would've wandered into the street??!!". I mean, can you say
"l-i-a-b-i-l-i-t-y" Doc.? Is there anything that I really could've done at that point? -Needless to say, I will not go back to that place! (In fact, I have a file of life card in my wallet that specifically states which E.R. to take me to.)

[Bernard]

If you tell them you feel disoriented/confused, they likely would not discharge you.

Sometimes the ER rooms/beds get full and they need to move patients when an ambulance is enroute. In those cases, they try to either discharge patients who are well enough to go, or they have to admit them to a hospital to free up the ER bed/room.

You could always just sit in the waiting room if you don't feel quite ready to leave.

[RobinN]

I actually left too soon with my daughter on her last visit. The stay was far too lengthy for the situation and we wanted out. I had signed the papers, and was told we could go. However, the Doctor had finally reached Rebecca's neurologist and wanted to make sure we knew this, and were aware of her recommendations for aftercare. He called twice to make sure I knew this.

I believe if you sign the papers to be discharged then you are on your own, and relieve the Dr. of any liability. So don't sign if you are feeling "out of it".

[Jfpinell]

Well, at that point, I wasn't into it enough to carry on a debate, so to say, so I just signed the thing because the nurses were getting a bit insistant.
I didn't think by any means they'd discharge you if you told them how you felt. Maybe it would've been different if family would've been there, but there was no one else available. My parents at the time were away, and I had no other relatives around (at least none that were physically able to come and get me -age, etc.)
I understand about the over population, but they didn't even suggest I go sit down. And at that point, I'm still not able to make rational decisions on my own. I'll just instinctively do what someone suggests.

[RobinN]

I do anything I can to keep my daughter out of the ER now.
I understand your situation, and it should have been noticed. However, that is what should happen in the best of situations. I doubt it will be getting much better in the future.

I am sure we all have stories to tell that would make a great documentary.
Best healthcare yet would be a wellness insurance program.

[Belinda5000]

Actually you can leave when you want by signing a paper saying your leaving against medical advice.
You can refuse test such as blood wood work.
All you have do is say no or if u don't want a CT, MRI say no they can't force you.
You have more say than you know.
On what test you wont have.
You can up and leave when you want.
You can refuse an ambulance I do all the time.


Belinda

[Ruth]

Hi Jfpinell,

The same thing has happened to me in reverse. Even though the ER room is crowded, they keep me way longer than I need to be. I think they forget about me. The last time I was at the ER, they kept me all night in my room. I cannot wait to get out of one.

Once you sign the discharge papers, you cannot sue the hospital. I feel for you.

Ruth

[Jfpinell]

Actually you can leave when you want by signing a paper saying your leaving against medical advice.
You can refuse test such as blood wood work.
All you have do is say no or if u don't want a CT, MRI say no they can't force you.
You have more say than you know.
On what test you wont have.
You can up and leave when you want.
You can refuse an ambulance I do all the time.


Belinda

That much I know, and there was once or twice that I've done it (long story). My concern is the other way around...THEM telling YOU you're O.K. to go when you're not, and aren't into it enough yet to really say so.

[Jfpinell]

Hi Jfpinell,
Once you sign the discharge papers, you cannot sue the hospital. I feel for you.
Ruth

So can you leave (by way of Dr.'s discharge) and NOT sign anything if you feel they're not doing everything they should? I mean, otherwise you're signing something when you're not fully coherent, and therefore not able to make a competent decision. (Similar to my post in "C.P. at Wal-mart" pertaining to E.M.T. liability.) It still scares the heck out of me that I very well could've walked right into moving traffic that day! The only other thing I can think of is if I would've went back a day or 2 later and talked to H.R./Administration about the occurance.

[Bernard]

... The only other thing I can think of is if I would've went back a day or 2 later and talked to H.R./Administration about the occurance.

That's probably a good idea to pursue just to explore your questions. The hospital has an electronic record of your ER visits. At the very least, they can add a note in your record of this concern so that if there is a next time, they might be more sensitive to post-ictal confusion.