The discharge process is a process that occurs when a patient leaves the hospital and no longer requires inpatient care. Most hospitals employ a discharge planner to coordinate the necessary information for the patient’s discharge. This person will explain what the patient needs to do after leaving the hospital, including how to take medicine or care for a bandage. He or she will also answer any questions a patient may have.
Modern technology has transformed hospitals into complex institutions that increase the diagnostic capabilities and treatment options available. This in turn requires specialized staff and equipment. Medical research has also given rise to a plethora of new treatments and instruments. As a result, hospital operations have become much more expensive. This increased cost is a concern for health service managers.
Hospitals were once run by religious orders, but secular authorities began supporting them during the Middle Ages. By the 15th century, hospitals were commonly owned by cities and met a growing social need. After Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries in 1540, the responsibility for institutional health care was gradually transferred to secular authorities. By the end of the century, only about 200 hospitals remained in England.
While the IRS has a specific definition for a hospital, hospitals are not exempt from federal income tax. These organizations must be licensed and recognized by their state to provide care. These organizations may have a variety of charitable purposes, but they must provide “hospital care” in order to qualify. In addition to providing medical care, these organizations can also provide research and education.
Depending on the size of a city, there may be several hospitals serving the region. In addition to general care, these hospitals may have separate emergency departments, trauma centers, and intensive care units. Some hospitals even have their own ambulance services. Often, district hospitals are the largest health care facility in a city and contain many beds for critical and intensive care.
In the United States, most hospitals are privately owned. In Great Britain, the National Health Service oversees hospitals in the area. Hospital management committees answer to a regional board or the Department of Health and Social Security. While there are a few government-owned hospitals in the United States, most hospitals fall under the jurisdiction of a regional health authority.
The operating costs of hospitals are paid from various sources. Government contributions typically fund construction, but operating costs can come from public funds or private endowments. Some hospitals also receive out-of-pocket payments from uninsured patients. In developing countries, the bed-occupancy rate is often over 100 percent. The reason for this is that hospitals do not have enough beds for all of the patients.
Some health systems have begun testing the hospital at home model. One such system is the Carilion Clinic in Roanoke, Virginia. It has been operating its hospital at home program since 1994. It is difficult to recruit patients yet because physicians are hesitant to refer patients. The system has only a small number of patients, but it is hoping to build up its program with more patient referrals.