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Some admissions to the hospital do not allow you to prepare in advance. However, if you know that you will be entering a facility to receive care, you can plan for your stay. It may also help when you know what to expect during your time as an inpatient. Pre-Admission Paperwork Your hospital probably has a standard pre-admission packet that they provide to people who are planning a stay at the facility. Ask about this paperwork if representatives do not offer it to you. Within this packet, you can expect to receive information such as the following: 1. Facility policies 2. Admission instructions 3. Information about charges 4. Pre-admission tests 5. Instructions for family What to Pack You will need some essentials when you are planning to become an inpatient in a medical facility. Bring items that you will need for your comfort, such as the following: 1. Toothbrush and toothpaste 2. Brush and comb 3. Razor 4. Deodorant 5. Shampoo and conditioner 6. Eyeglasses 7. Hearing aids 8. Dentures 9. Robe, slippers, and nightclothes 10. Reading material such as magazines and books 11. Cell phone and charger Do not bring these items: 1. Medications (unless your doctor tells you to bring them) 2. Money and jewelry 3. Food from home (unless your doctor approves this) Rights and Responsibilities Facilities require patients to sign a number of papers prior to administering care. You should expect to sign a general consent agreement where you agree to receive care. If you need surgery or other types of special procedures, the hospital will have you sign consent forms for these procedures as well. You will need to agree to pay for any services you receive that are not covered under insurance. Health care facilities must also have every patient sign a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, also called a HIPAA. This form protects your privacy and security regarding the information associated with your health care. The Team As a patient, you will likely encounter numerous staff members who work together to deliver your care. You may have more than one physician coordinating your specialized care. Some teaching facilities also have interns and residents on staff, some of which are doctors in various stages of training. Nurses and nursing assistants will be an integral part of meeting your daily needs. You may also encounter other technicians, therapists, social workers, and representatives who perform specific jobs to help assist patients. By expecting to meet a variety of team members, you may be more prepared to interact with these various professionals. Extra Assistance There may be situations that arise that necessitate additional care. For example, an interpreter can provide assistance when language barriers are present. Sometimes patients become confused by medical terminology. A patient may also disagree with a physician recommendation, deciding to opt against a treatment plan. In these situations, the hospital can provide special accommodations to resolve a difficulty. Preparing for a hospital stay and learning as much as possible about the experience can help ensure that you have a positive outcome. When considering a hospital, Medford, Oregon residents visit Medford Medical Clinic, LLP. Learn more about this facility at http://www.medfordmd.com/locations/mmc-black-oak.
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