Educational only: This resource does not diagnose a condition, replace a clinician, or guarantee a Metro East Health service pathway. Use emergency services for urgent or life-threatening symptoms.
The first days after discharge are often fragmented
Instructions may come from a hospital, surgeon, rehabilitation team, home health agency, facility, and PCP who are not all in the same network. The patient and family may not know which clinician owns the next decision.
Start with the wound and the broader medical context
Useful intake information includes the wound type, recent changes, current dressing or device, diabetes or vascular history, edema, mobility, medications, pain, fever, drainage, current setting, and which clinicians are already involved.
Protect privacy during intake
Public website forms should not be used for detailed records or wound photographs. Minimum intake information can identify the correct secure channel for the next step.
When to escalate urgently
Severe or uncontrolled bleeding, chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden confusion, or another emergency requires 911. Rapidly worsening pain, spreading redness, fever, foul odor, black tissue, or other concerning changes warrant prompt clinical contact.