Hospital Tip: Know Your CPT2

I'm still hospitalized, but my numbers have dropped significantly and I'm hopeful that I will go home today or tomorrow.

This stay has been far better than my last stay in the same hospital some 2-1/2 years ago.  I've been trying to identify the reasons, and I think there are two, interconnected reasons.

First, the nursing staff has been outstanding (with a single exception that might be explained by a needy patient in isolation taking up her time).  They provided me with the information and care that I needed.  Part of it, I'm guessing, may be that the hospital has improved its hiring practices or training.  Regardless of why, I appreciate how much better the staff has been.  Since I may be discharged, and I know the busy chaos that discharge can be, I made sure to call the supervisor this morning to express my deep appreciation.

Second, I am now far more educated about my own condition, and was able to advocate more effectively on my own behalf.  For example, I know from last time that sharing a room can increase stress and lengthen recovery time (my CK rose last time by around 3,000 points overnight when my roommate was particularly disruptive).  I explained all of this to the admitting doctor, and part of my orders were that I have my own room.  Similarly, lack of sleep can be a trigger, so the orders say not to disturb me for vital signs, blood draws, etc., from 11 pm to 7 am.

I've had a different doctor every day during this stay, but my ability to communicate in detail about how CPT2 works has helped them -- even with the lack of continuity -- to stay on top of my treatment.

Last time, I sat in the ER for hours before being seen, and was refused all food until a doctor saw me.  This time I was able to explain the situation far more clearly, and was taken back immediately, tested, and put on D10 drip (and administered IV Carnitor) within about an hour of arriving.  That alone probably shaved two or three days off my stay.

I am able to keep my CPT2 information organized by blogged on this site about it, but for other patients, go with what works.  Just know that you are likely the first -- and last -- CPT2 patient the ER or hospital staff will see.  So if you're well educated about CPT2, you will have information they do not have.