Often, hospitals force patients to leave before they feel they are ready.  Sometimes,however,  just the opposite is true – hospitals keep patients admitted after the patient feels she is ready to leave.  Hospitals can keep a patient admitted for many reasons, but a significant one is that, as long as that patient remains admitted, the hospital continues to make money.  There are a number of reasons a patient might want to leave earlier than originally planned, including cost, convenience, and the reality that hospitals are rife with infectious agents that could pose further health risks.  This article details the considerations for a Discharge Against Medical Advice (DAMA).  The key is to remember that, in the majority of cases, the patient has the final word on whether she remains in the hospital, or elects to leave.