United States Department of Veterans Affairs
United States Department of Veterans Affairs

VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York - VISN 2

Albany VA Medical Center

Discharge from the Medical Center

Discharge Procedures
Early during your stay, your health care team should talk to you about your after-hospitalization care/ needs, your anticipated discharge date and your follow-up care. If you need counseling or assistance (locating a care facility, Community Living Center, residential or boarding facility), see the social worker assigned to your ward.

If medication is prescribed, your medication and other supplies will be discussed with you prior to discharge. These items can be picked up at the Outpatient Pharmacy as you depart from the Medical Center.

Discharge time is 11:00 a.m. We will work with you to have all of your discharge arrangements made at least one day prior to your discharge. A copy of your patient discharge instructions will be given to you before you leave your ward. You may pick up your VA identification card at the nursing station. 48 Hour Post Discharge Survey
Within 48 hours of your discharge, you will be contacted to find out how your treatment and discharge from the Medical Center went. The survey information will help us improve the services we provide to you and other veterans. It is important that we have your correct telephone number at time of discharge.

Collecting Your Personal Belongings
Make sure you have collected everything from your bed area before you leave. If you have deposited money with the Agent Cashier, stop at the Patient Funds Office on the 1st floor, room 110 Core between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for a withdrawal voucher.

Diet Instructions
If you are on a special diet, a dietician will counsel you and your family on how to follow your diet at home. Home Care Services
Home care services are available to eligible veterans who need assistance with care in their home after being discharged from the hospital. Prior to your discharge, your health care team and social worker must make arrangements with the Home Based Primary Care Program.

Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program (HCHV)
The central goal of the Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program is to end homelessness among veterans through outreach efforts and community partnerships. Veterans are engaged in treatment and rehab programs to enable them to achieve a better quality of life. The telephone number for the entire VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York is (585) 393-7422.

Lost and Found
If you lose any personal items during your stay, please notify a member of your health care team so they can contact the VA Police. If you find any items while at the hospital, please bring it to the VA Police office, located on the 1st floor in the main lobby or give it to a member of your health care team. All found items will be turned over to the lost and found office if not claimed within 24 hours. Lost and found is located in the patient clothing room, basement "B" wing.