"Transitioning"

  I was called this morning by nurse Rebecca, and told Dave is being discharged from Southwestern today. I asked how and when and she  said she'd call back when the timing was set.  A short time later, another call, this time from the office at Southwestern, asking when someone could pick him up at the hospital. She said his daughter had said she did not want him to go by taxi. She said Medicare pays for emergency transportation but not non-emergency transport home. Even though the distance transported is only several miles, the cost would be at least $300-$500. I told her he is a 2-person-lift and it's difficult for him to be transported in a regular car. She knew only that he was wheelchair-bound, not immobile. So she said she would notify Medicare of his condition. After more calls, she called back and said he will be transported back by ambulance, and it will be covered by insurance. Discharge is to be at 3 this afternoon.
    To no one's surprise, though on admission the hospitalist said he might be there for up to 4 days, the 3-day rule prevailed.  Medicare cares deeply.