Hospital Admissions

What To Do If You Are Scheduled To Be Hospitalized…

Hospitalization may be necessary for evaluation of symptoms, treatment of illnesses, diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures, or receipt of medical/surgical services that can only be provided with an in-patient setting.

Occasionally, patients may find it necessary to complete hospitalization arrangements at outlying hospitals; and your health insurance carrier may request that you to obtain your hospital care at a corporate or “in-network” health care facility.

We will inform the designated hospital of your expected date of arrival; along with your demographic and insurance information. It may be necessary for the hospital to contact you to complete or confirm your information prior to your scheduled hospital visit. Your cooperation can help to shorten the admission process.

Specific plans for your hospital admission may need to be altered depending upon physician availability, availability of hospital beds, and/or availability of hospital equipment or services. If you are scheduled to have medical or surgical care provided at an outlying hospital, it is strongly recommended that you contact the admitting or supervising physician’s office directly to confirm the planned arrangements for your hospitalization, and to address any additional questions that you may have.

If you have been seen by us for a “pre-operative cardiovascular evaluation”, we will attempt to send (Fax) a copy of your evaluation to the surgeon’s office, and to all other providers that we have listed for you. We prefer to also send a copy to the hospital’s “pre-admissions testing department”, as a courtesy to you. As such, it is most optimal to have you provide us with the name of the hospital and the Fax number of the hospital’s pre-admissions testing department, in advance; along with the Fax number(s) of any other office or agency that you would like to have your medical records forwarded to.

What To Bring With You – Day of Admission:

Insurance cards or forms
Referral forms (from your HMO or PPO) if necessary
Any medical records or test results that you have
A minimum amount of money (to cover your telephone and/or television service)
An updated list of your medications
A copy of your advanced directive, or a living will (if you have one)

What NOT To Bring With You:

Extra money
Other valuables
Electrical equipment
Your routine medications or supplemental medications

All of your medications should be provided to you directly by the hospital, unless one of your hospital caregivers specifically requests you to bring in one or more particular medication[s] from home.

Upon Arrival:

You will receive a hospital identification bracelet which should remain on your wrist at all times during your hospitalization. This bracelet includes your name and medical record number. * Please confirm that this information is correct.
Please inform the admissions department and your nurse if you have an advanced directive (or a living will). You should arrange to secure an extra copy of this document, so that it may be attached to your hospital chart, and to be certain that it will be available to all of your hospital caregivers.
Please inform the admissions department and your nurse if you have any specific dietary restrictions, and please be certain to inform your nurse and physicians of all of your allergies (if any).

During Your Hospitalization:

You may be requested to sign any number of consent forms. These forms indicate that you have been made aware of the necessity for one or more procedures that requires “informed consent”. Informed consent implies that your physician or responsible party explained to you what was to be done, and the reason that your procedure was deemed necessary or advisable. You in turn are indicating that you understand the risks, benefits, and the therapeutic alternatives to the proposed procedure(s). If you have any additional questions regarding your procedure, you must address those concerns or questions directly to your physician or responsible hospital caregiver, prior to signing your consent form. A signed form indicates that all of your questions were answered to your satisfaction, that you understood what was explained to you, and that you agree to have the procedure done, as scheduled.
Inspect your room upon arrival, and be certain that all equipment and materials are in proper working order. Be certain that your room has been properly cleaned and prepared for you. Inform your nurse if you feel that there are any problems with your room. This can include noise, odors, or your room’s configuration.
Write down any questions that you have for your physician regarding your illness, your testing results, and your plan of care; so that he/she may review them with you upon his/her arrival.
Observe the No Smoking regulations. The hospital may have additional regulations regarding alcohol, non-prescription substances, and electronic equipment (including cellular telephones) that will need to be adhered to.
Please request your family and friends observe (and not to exceed) the designated hospital visiting hours.

Preparing For Your Departure From The Hospital:

Discharge planning helps you and your family maintain the benefits that were achieved during your hospitalization. This requires a comprehensive evaluation of your medical needs, any family or financial concerns, and your family’s ability to meet those needs, after your discharge. This will require coordination between you, your family members, and the hospital social service worker that has been assigned to you. Your social service worker is an expert in knowing what required and optional community services will be available for you. This can include (depending upon what is needed, what is available, and/or what is covered by your insurance):

Temporary placement in a skilled nursing facility or rehabilitation facility
Arrangements for home nursing or other home health care delivery
Temporary or long-term placement in a personal-care home or nursing home
Outpatient rehabilitation or physical therapy
Arrangements for transportation to and from your medical appointments or place of care
Arrangements for meal delivery
Arrangements to help obtain your medications
Professional training or other instructions for family members on to assist the delivery of your care at home
Assistance with the acquisition of supplemental insurance or financial assistance