Post acute care

Care after a hospital stay, in Ocala.

Follow-up in the weeks after discharge, when recovery is most fragile and readmission is most likely.

Why the weeks after discharge matter

People leave hospital with new medications, changed doses and instructions absorbed on a difficult day. The first few weeks are when things go wrong, and a follow-up visit is the single most effective way to prevent going back in.

Review of your discharge instructions, in plain language
Reconciling new medications against what you took before
Monitoring the condition that put you in hospital
Wound checks and care where needed
Coordinating follow-up with specialists
Arranging home health or therapy referrals
Talking with family or caregivers who are helping

When to be seen

If you cannot get to the clinic after discharge, ask about a house call or a virtual visit. Not being able to travel should not mean not being seen.

Follow-up care across Ocala and Marion County

Whether you were at a hospital here in Ocala or further afield, what matters is that someone local picks up your care quickly. Dr. Ricketts brings a strong background in geriatric and end-of-life care to exactly this kind of transition.

We care for patients across Ocala, Silver Springs Shores, Belleview, Summerfield and Ocklawaha, from our clinic on SE 5th Street at Peppertree.

Post acute care questions

How soon after discharge should I be seen?

Within one to two weeks for most patients, and sooner if you were admitted for a serious condition or your medications changed significantly. Call us as soon as you are home and we will get you booked.

What should I bring to my follow-up visit?

Your discharge paperwork, every medication bottle you now have including the old ones, and any instructions you were given. If a family member was with you at the hospital, bring them too.

I do not understand my discharge instructions. Can you explain them?

Yes, and this is one of the most useful things about the visit. Discharge instructions are often written quickly and absorbed on a hard day. We will go through them properly.

Can you arrange home health or physical therapy?

Yes. We can make those referrals and coordinate them, so you are not the one chasing arrangements while recovering.

What if I cannot travel to the clinic yet?

Ask about a house call or a virtual visit. We would much rather see you at home than have you miss follow-up entirely.

Do I still need this if I already have a follow-up with my specialist?

Usually yes. Your specialist will focus on the specific problem. Primary care follow-up looks at your medications as a whole, your other conditions and how recovery is actually going.

Just home from the hospital?

Call the clinic and we will get you a follow-up visit booked while it still makes the most difference.