Our Calling is Caring: June 08

Assisting with Medications

In a recent call to patient recently discharged home after having a cardiac event, one of our callers was able to make a real difference in the patient's life by calling. A discharged patient was embarrassed to tell the nursing staff she could not afford her medication. When the nurse called post discharge, she asked the patient if she was taking her medication as prescribed. The patient informed the nurse she did not have the money to buy her medication and had not filled her prescriptions. The nurse contacted our social worker who enrolled the patient in a medication assistance program which provided her the needed medications to treat the cardiac ailment. The patient was extremely thankful for the help and the nurse realized the purpose and importance of discharged phone calls as a result of this patient interaction. At times in healthcare we are overcome with tasks. Pikeville asks that post-visit calls never become a task and always are associated with the providing excellent quality care.

Debbie Puckett, Administrator
Pikeville Medical Center
Pikeville, Kentucky