Patients

Each Health Management hospital, as well as our physicians, are able to individually determine which insurance and health plans they accept. For more information on whether an individual hospital or clinic is able to accept your particular health plan, please contact your preferred location directly. For a list of Hospitals and clinics please click on the Health Management Hospitals and Clinics section of our website.

What patient conditions are generally treated in the urgent care setting?

Urgent care is generally associated with the delivery of ambulatory medical care outside of a hospital emergency department on a walk-in basis without a scheduled appointment. Conditions generally treated in the urgent care setting range from those conditions that could otherwise be seen in a primary care physician's office to minor emergencies that are often seen in the hospital emergency department. Minor trauma rooms allow also allow for repair of minor and moderate-severity lacerations. In a study of 350,000 patient encounters in UCA-affiliated urgent care centers, it was demonstrated that 55 of the 100 most frequent diagnoses treated in the average U.S. hospital emergency department are also shown in the 100 most frequent reasons patients visited the urgent care center. This study demonstrates a closer resemblence to the hospital emergency department than the average primary care office.

What exactly is an urgent care center?

Urgent care centers provide treatment for the non-life threatening illnesses and injuries that occur on a day-to-day basis. They are equipped to serve the entire family including children and can handle a variety of conditions ranging from sinusitis and pneumonia to lacerations and fractures. Generally, most urgent care centers are open seven days a week with hours extending into the evening. Additionally, patients seeking medical attention or advice should not have to make appointments at urgent care centers.

What pastoral services are available at Lake Regional?

Lake Regional cares about and for the spiritual needs of all within the hospital. If you would like to speak to the chaplain or need any of these services during your stay, please call extension 2294 and leave a message with your request. Or, you may ask a nurse to page the chaplain for you. The following Pastoral Services are available during your stay: devotionals, wall hangings, guided meditation, prayer, meditative music, spiritual assessment, exercise, prayer accessories, spiritual consultations with the chaplain, Spanish materials

Do I need to bring my current medications with me to the hospital?

Yes, all of your current medications will need to be brought with you to the hosptial for identification and then sent home. Your doctor will decide which medications you should continue while hospitalized and our pharmacy will supply you with all of your medications. All medications brought into the hospital will be sent home with a relative or a friend. If that is not possible, the medications will be placed in storage in the hospital pharmacy until you are discharged.

Do I need to bring my current medications with me to the hospital?

Yes, all of your current medications will need to be brought with you to the hosptial for identification and then sent home.

What are patient visiting hours?

Hours are:10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for most patients. Maternity and ICU hours vary. Please see Visiting Hours under the Admissions link.

Do I need to bring my insurance card on my day of service?

Yes, it is very important for the admissions office is able to get a copy of your insurance card for billing purposes.

Do I need to bring my current list of medications to the hospital?

Yes. You will need to bring a current list of all medications with you to the hospital.

How do I make a call from my room?

Simply dail "9" for an outside line.

How do I make a call from my room?

Simply dial "9" for an outside line.

When I check-in, what kind of personal belongings should I bring?

You may bring a small bag of personal belongings such as toothbrush, hairbrush, robe and slippers. If possible, label your belongings. Labeling greatly increases the chance of finding your items in case they are misplaced. Whenever possible, please leave your valuables, credit cards, cash and jewelry at home. DRMC does not assume responsibility for lost articles but will make every effort to help you find them. If you lose an item, notify your nurse immediately.

Do I need to bring my current medications with me to the hospital?

Yes, all of your current medications will need to be brought with you to the hosptial for identification and then sent home.

What are patient visiting hours?

Hours are: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for most patients. Maternity and ICU hours vary. Please see Visiting Hours under the Admissions link.

Can I pay/discuss my bill at the hospital?

Yes. You can receive a copy of your bill and/or make a payment at our Cashier window located on the first floor in the hospital. If you have questions about a bill, please call 912.486.1777 or stop by our Business Office and speak with a Patient Account Representative.

What if I have a complaint about my care?

If at any time during a stay at Venice Regional Medical Center you are not receiving the kind of treatment that you have a right to expect, please make your concerns known to your physician or to the Nursing Director responsible for the nursing unit. In addition, our Patient Advocate can be reached at extension 37793 or from outside the hospital at 483-7793. If assistance is needed after normal business hours, please dial "0" and ask for the Nursing Supervisor. If you cannot resolve your issues using these avenues, you may obtain information about The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) by calling 888-419-3456 or The Joint Commission by e-mailing www.complaint@jointcommission.org or by calling 800-994-6610 Quality-of-Care Concerns If a Medicare beneficiary has a concern or is not satisfied with the quality of care received, he or she can call the FMQAI Florida Medicare Beneficiary Complaints Helpline at 800-844-0795.

Do I need to bring my current medications with me to the hospital?

Yes, all of your current medications will need to be brought with you to the hospital for identification and then sent home.

Do I need to bring my current medications with me to the hospital?

Yes, all of your current medications will need to be brought with you to the hospital for identification and then sent home.

Do I need to bring my current medications with me to the hospital?

Yes, all of your current medications will need to be brought with you to the hospital for identification and then sent home.

Is internet access available at Franklin Regional?

Yes. Patients, visitors and doctors at Franklin Regional have access to free Wi-Fi/wireless high-speed Internet while visiting the hospital. By offering Wi-Fi accessibility, patients and their loved ones can keep up with family or work via the Internet. Connectivity is available throughout the hospital including patient rooms and visitor waiting areas. Franklin Regional's free Internet connection works with any Wi-Fi enabled device such as a laptop computer, Pocket PC or web-enabled call phone. We also provide two computers in the Admissions/Out-Patient waiting area for patients, family members and visitors.

How can my family reach me in the hospital?

Family members and friends may call DRMC at (214) 320-7000 and request to be transferred to you. Direct dial in phone numbers are also posted in every patient room.

How do I obtain a copy of my medical record?

To get a copy of your personal record, you need to come by the HIM Department (Medical Records), which is located on the first floor of the hospital, around the corner from the Business Office. Please bring a photo ID for identification. You will have to fill out an authorization and sign it. If the request is for personal reasons, there is a cost for copying the record. If the request is for a physician’s office and the requester has the needed information such as the physician name and fax #; the HIM staff will fax the information to the needed physician, if requested. If the information needed is before 2005, please give the HIM department at least 48 hours to obtain the information.

How do my loved ones get information about me while I am in the hospital?

As part of our commitment to protect patient confidentiality, each patient is assigned a unique Patient ID number that a family member or friend must reference in order to obtain any information regarding your care. Upon admission you will be given the Patient ID Number along with a direct dial room number to your room so that family members may contact you directly. *The patient must give family members or loved ones the Patient ID number in order for them to have access to information. ONLY the patient can release that information.

How do my loved ones get information about me while I am in the hospital?

If I don't have a physician, do you have a resource that I can use to find one?

Yes. You can call our Physician Referral Line by calling 912.486.1510 or click on the "Physician" tab on our homepage for a list of our active medical staff members.

Is the Emergency Services Department open 24/7?

Yes. At 10pm every night the main hospital doors are locked and re-open at 7am. The emergency waiting room doors are open 24/7, 365 days a year. Our Emergency Services dept., Radiology/Imaging dept. and Laboratory is open 24/7.

How do my loved ones get information about me while I am in the hospital?

As part of our commitment to protect patient confidentiality, each patient is assigned a unique Patient ID Number that a family member or friend must reference in order to obtain any information regarding your care. Upon admission you will be given the Patient ID Number along with a direct dial room number to your room so that family members may contact you directly. *The patient must give family members or loved ones the Patient ID number in order for them to have access to information. ONLY the patient can release that information.

How do I evaluate Chester Regional Medical Center's services?

The staff and management of Chester Regional Medical Center welcome your evaluation of our services and personnel. You may receive a Gallup Survey call to give your comments and suggestions. We appreciate learning about our opportunities for improvement. You may always request to speak to our patient advocate.

How do I evaluate Carolina Pines' services?

The staff and management of Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center welcome your evaluation of our services and personnel. You may receive a Gallup Survey call to give your comments and suggestions. We appreciate learning about our opportunities for improvement. You may always request to speak to our patient advocate.

When are patient mealtimes?

Meals are served at 7 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m.

Are there any required out of pocket expenses?

Yes, it is our policy to collect any estimated self pay balances as well as any open deductibles and co-pays as verified by your insurance plan.

When are patient mealtimes?

Meals are served between 7:00-8:00am, 11:30-12:30pm, and 4:30-5:30pm.

How do my loved ones get information about me while I am in the hospital?

As part of our commitment to protect patient confidentiality, each patietn is assigned a unique Patient ID number that a family member or friend must reference in order to obtain any information regarding your care. Upon admission you will be given the Patient ID Number along with a direct dial room number to your room so that family members may contact you directly. *The patient must give family members or loved ones the Patient ID number in order for them to have access to information. ONLY the patient can release that information.

What kind of meals will be served during my stay?

Wholesome, nourishing and well-balanced meals are an important part of your treatment and recovery. Lake Regional makes every effort to provide nutritious meals that are prepared according to your doctor's orders. Patients are served breakfast between 7 and 8 a.m., lunch between noon and 1 p.m. and dinner between 5 and 6 p.m. Occasionally, your meal may be delayed if you are scheduled for a special test or treatment. Whenever possible, you will be served after your examination or test. Your breakfast tray will include a menu from which you can order your meals for the following day. Please mark your menu so it will be ready for pickup. If you have difficulty making menu selections, a member of the Dietary department will be happy to assist you. If you are on a special diet prescribed by your physician, you will receive menus tailored to your specific needs.

Should I use the urgent care center instead of my family doctor?

The urgent care center is a great option if you have an urgent medical condition that you feel needs immediate attention at that time. If your family doctor is neither available nor equipped to handle the situation, urgent care might be a suitable alternative. With the majority of the urgent care doctors having extensive emergency room experience, urgent care centers work closely with patients to ensure that all appropriate records are transferred to local family physician.

How does the cost of care delivered in the urgent care center compare to the hospital Emergency Department?

The costs of treatment in an urgent care center setting will vary depending upon what services are obtained but generally, costs in the urgent care setting can be expected to be half to one-fourth of the cost of treating a like condition in the hospital emergency department.

Who do I contact if I have a question about my hospital bill?

Health Management hospitals have business office personnel on site who can assist you with billing questions.

Please contact the Health Management hospital where you were treated and ask to speak with the Business Office.

If you cannot locate a phone number for the hospital where you were treated, please click on this link Health Management Hospitals and Clinics to access appropriate information.

When can I expect to receive a bill? Why was I sent a statement when my insurance company is supposed to pay my bill?

For patients with health insurance: once your insurance company has been billed and has responded to the Health Management hospital, the hospital business office determines how much you may owe and bills you. Payment will be due upon receipt of the billby you. If your insurance company does not pay timely after receiving a bill from an Health Management hospital, you may receive a statement showing that your insurance company has not paid the bill. Whether you have insurance coverage or not, you as the patient are ultimately responsible to make sure your bill is paid. If you receive a statement showing that your insurance company has not paid, it may be helpful for you to contact your insurance company to ask why payment has not been made.

Does insurance pay for urgent care treatment?

Which plans an urgent care center participates in vary widely but many urgent care centers accept most popular payment sources. Some do not participate in Medicaid plans, largely because the urgent care model relies on extreme efficiency in order to keep pricing competitive and the cost of billing and collecting from Medicaid is often significantly higher than other payors and thus it compromises this objective. It is advised to call ahead of a visit to find out the center being planned for visit accepts a particular plan. Urgent care centers are a popular option for most insurance plans; in other words, payors prefer patients go to the urgent care center for treatment instead of the hospital emergency department.

How does urgent care differ from the emergency room?

There are several main differences between urgent care centers and the emergency room. Emergency rooms are staffed 24 hours a day and are designed to treat patients suffering from life threatening injuries or serious illnesses. In contrast, urgent care centers are designed to lighten the load on local emergency rooms by treating non-life threatening injuries (lacerations, mild fractures, etc.) and illnesses (earaches, influenza, rashes, etc.) in a patient-friendly environment.

What do I need to know about my accommodations?

Your room assignment at Lake Regional Hospital is based upon your admitting diagnosis and the bed availability on the day of your admission. All rooms are centrally heated and air conditioned, and cable TV is provided. Hospital beds are electrically operated and are higher and narrower than most beds. All rooms are equipped with a telephone, other than those in the Intensive Care and Stepdown Units. Patients may receive calls in their rooms from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Local calls are free. Long distance calls require a credit card or can be charged to your home number.

Do I need to bring any paperwork?

Please bring any medical insurance cards and any necessary claims forms. This will speed the admissions process. Also you can go to the Med Key regristration program online found under the patients section to speed up the process.

Is there a patient advocate to speak to about concerns or problems?

Yes, we want you to be Very Satisfied with your experience at Bartow Regional Medical Center. Should you have any concerns regarding your satisfaction of safety, please contact our Patient Advocate at 519-1566.

Will the hospital bill my insurance company?

Yes, the business office will file all hospital related claims.

Is there a Patient Advocate I can speak with about concerns or problems?

Yes. We want you to be VERY SATISFIED with your experience at Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center. If you should have any concerns regarding your satisfaction of stay, please contact our Patient Advocate at (606) 789-3511, ext. 1608.

Can I tour The Stork's Landing before I deliver my baby?

Sure, tours are available every Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Simply go the the main desk and ask the volunteer to call upstairs to announce your arrival. Tours are also available during the prepared childbirth classes.

When are patient mealtimes?

Meals are served between 7:00-8:00am, 11:30-12:30pm, and 4:30-5:30pm.

Do you have support groups?

Yes. Several support groups meet at East Georgia Regional Medical Center. Please call 912.486.1500 for more information on support groups.

What if I cannot understand the DRMC staff or English is not my native language?

If you experience any communication problems while receiving care, please tell your nurse about your special needs. We can provide the following: • Foreign language interpreter • Closed captioning If immediate foreign language interpretation is needed, ask your nurse to contact the nursing supervisor who can access the Language Line. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Will I need to bring any paperwork?

Please bring any medical insurance cards and any necessary claims forms. This will speed the admissions process. Also you can go to the Med Key registration program online found under the patients section to speed up the process.

Do I need to take any tests before coming to the Hospital?

Your physician's office will tell you if any tests are needed in advance and work with you to schedule them. Results from tests are necessary prior to many services and surgical procedures. Please make sure you have completed the tests prior to your arrival. Some insurance companies require you to recieve some test at outside facilities and the results are sent to the hospital before your arrival. Please check with your insurance company if you have any questions about your insurance coverage.

Who do I call to setup a payment arrangement?

Call our Hospital Financial Counselor at (919) 497-8055

Who do I call for questions about my post billing?

For Medicaid Billing Questions, please contact (919) 497-8056. For Medicare Billing Questions, please contact (919) 497-8051. For Blue Cross Billing Questions, please contact (919) 497-8029. For All Other Billing Questions, please contact (919) 497-8405.

Will I need to bring any paperwork?

Please bring any medical insurance cards and any necessary claims forms. This will speed the admissions process. Also you can go to the Med Key online registration, found under the Patients section, to speed up the process.

What personal items should I bring?

Can clergy members visit DRMC patients?

Clergy members of all faiths are welcome at the hospital. If you wish to arrange a visit, you can contact representatives of your faith or let your know that you’d like the DRMC chaplain to visit you.

Is there a patient ambassador to speak to about concerns or problems?

Yes, we want you to be Very Satisfied with your experience at Harton Regional Medical Center. Should you have any concerns regarding your satisfaction of safety, please contact our Patient Ambassador at 434-0324.

Is there anyone I can speak with about patient bills?

Yes. The billing office at Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center is located on the first floor of the hospital. The phone number is (606) 789-3511.

Will I receive any other bills other than the hospital bill?

During your hospital stay, you may experience a variety of tests, procedures and services. Many of these services are billed separately. Depending on the type of care you need, you may receive statements from pathology services, anesthesia or radiology.

Is there a local billing office for inquires about patient bills?

Yes, you may visit our Billing Office Monday - Friday from 8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. or you can contact them at 863-519-1490

What personal items should I bring?

Hospital gowns are available, but you may bring your own dressing robe and slippers. We encourage you to bring your own toiletries from home. Personal belongings such as jewelry, cash, credit cards or items of great personal value should not be kept in your room. . If you are having surgery, you will not be allowed to wear jewelry during the operation. If you brought any items of value to the hospital with you, we urge you to send them home with a relative or friend. Valuables such as credit cards, money or jewelry can be locked in a safe by notifying your nurse. Please store eyeglasses, contact lenses and dentures in the appropriate protective covers. Though we will assist whenever possible, Lehigh regional medical Center will not be responsible for loss or damage of any personal property in the hospital or on hospital property. Please note that when you are discharged from the hospital, you may need your credit cards, checks or cash to take care of your bill. If so, please ask a friend or family member to bring them from home at that time.

Can I receive personal deliveries during my stay?

Mail, flowers, eCards and other deliveries will be brought to your room daily by hospital volunteers. Please have friends send mail to your room number. Mail received after your dismissal will be forwarded to your home. In the interest of patient care, flowers cannot be delivered to the Intensive Care or Stepdown Units.

When should I utilize an urgent care center?

The urgent care center should be used for any non-life threatening medical illness or injury that you deem urgent. It is best to receive direct attention rather than waiting hours, days or weeks to be seen. Since most urgent care centers have extended evening hours beyond those of family doctors, they are excellent options for late day, evening and weekend medical problems.

Does insurance pay for urgent care treatment?

How do I pay my bill?

Payment for your portion of the bill (co-insurance, co-payment, deductible, uncovered services, full bill) is due prior to the time services are provided or upon receipt of receiving a bill. Payment can be sent by check, money order, or accepted credit cards to the Health Management hospital where you were treated. Some Health Management hospitals have the ability to accept payments through their websites. For a list of Hospitals and clinics please click on the Health Management Hospitals and Clinics section of our website.

Please do not send cash through the mail. If you choose to pay in cash, please pay in person. Please include the patient’s name and/or hospital account number with your payment.

Will I be required to pay anything when I arrive at an Health Management hospital?

If you have insurance, you may be required to pay the difference, if any, between your verified insurance benefits and the estimated charges for your stay when you are admitted to the hospital. Your actual charges may be more or less than the estimate. If they are less, you will receive a refund after care is provided. The deposit does not include charges for your physician or any other physician who will be involved in your care. A physician bill will be sent to you from your physician after you return home.

If you do not have insurance your Health Management hospital bill will be discounted by 60%, and you are expected to pay some portion of your bill prior to your discharge.

How do the credentials of urgent care providers vary from those of providers in the hospital emergency department?

Though there are some urgent care centers that are staffed by non-physicians, most are staffed by physicians with qualifications that rival that of physicians in the hospital emergency department. Many of the providers in the urgent care sector are board certified in emergency medicine and have significant experience in staffing hospital emergency departments. It is important to note that urgent care centers are sometimes staffed with either Physician Assistants or Nurse Practitioners and that both generally work in conjunction with a defined physician provider. Nonetheless, these providers are fully qualified to provide the care required for the majority of patients seen in this setting.

What does it mean when my doctor is Board Certified in Urgent Care Medicine?

The intent of the certification process is to provide assurance to the public that a certified medical specialist has successfully completed an approved educational program and an evaluation, including an examination designed to assess the knowledge, experience and skills requisite to the provision of high quality patient care in the specialty of Urgent Care Medicine. Board certification in Urgent Care Medicine is based on the review and analysis of the current state of clinical knowledge in the field of Urgent Care Medicine as it is reflected in medical literature and the acute care setting. In order to be admitted the urgent care certification process, physician candidates must meet rigorous educational and experienced-based requirements, then pass a psychometrically validated exam which is both medically and legally defensible.

Can I use my own medications while staying as a patient?

All medications you take while hospitalized are prescribed by your doctor, dispensed by the hospital pharmacy and administered by a nurse. Patients are not permitted to administer their own drugs or keep personal medications at their bedsides.

What if I am taking medications?

Please bring a list of your medications and dosages. Your physician will evaluate which ones you should continue taking while in the hospital. These will be dispensed to you by the hospital pharmacy during your stay. Any medications brought from home will be sent to the pharmacy. This procedure ensures that the medications you are currently taking do not interfere or interact with new medications ordered for you during your stay, and prevents the loss of your medications from home.

Do I need to pre-certify my out patient procedure or hospital stay?

The admissions staff will verify that all pre-certification has been completed by your primary care physician. Some insurance plans will not pay for certain procedures without precertification

Is there a local billing office for inquires about patient bills?

Yes, the Harton Billing Office is located off campus in the Tullahoma Business Center on Wilson Avenue across the street from Wendy's and The Shoppes at Cokers. Their phone number is 454-1229.

Will being an organ donor affect my medical care?

Being an organ donor will not affect the care you receive. If you are injured or ill and are taken to a hospital emergency room, you will receive the best possible care whether or not you are an organ donor. Donation procedures begin only after all efforts to save your life have failed and death has been declared.

What if I'm taking medications?

What personal items should I bring?

Do we offer self-pay discounts?

Yes, we offer a 60% discount for all uninsured patients.

If I have questions about an appointment, who would I call?

One-Call Scheduling at (919) 497-8410

What about meals?

Our Food Services Department is dedicated to providing you with nutritious and delicious meals. If your physician has requested a special diet for you, your meals will be specially prepared according to your physician's orders. Approximate service times for your meals are: Breakfast 8 am, Lunch noon, and Dinner 5 pm.

What about meals?

Who pays for the added expense?

There are no extra expenses for the family donating organs and tissues. State and federal funds pay all costs related to organ and tissue donation.

Is internet access available at Harton Regional?

Yes. Patients, visitors and doctors at Harton Regional have access to free Wi-Fi/wireless high-speed Internet while visiting the hospital. By offering Wi-Fi accessibility, patients and their loved ones can keep up with family or work via the Internet. Connectivity is available throughout the hospital including patient rooms and visitor waiting areas. Harton’s free Internet connection works with any Wi-Fi enabled device such as a laptop computer, Pocket PC or web-enabled cell phone.

Does Summit Medical Center accept all insurance plans?

We accept Most insurance plans. If you have any questions, please call our admissions office and our registration staff will gladly answer any questions.

What about meals?

Your physician has prescribed a diet plan especially for you. You may be on a special or a "restricted" diet. Additionally, before certain tests and procedures, you may not be allowed to eat or drink for a period of time. Unless you are on a liquid or pureed diet, you will receive a meny on your breakfast tray each morning from which to select your meals for the next day. You can also speak to the diet office. Additionally, if you would like to talk to a dietitian, let your nurse know. Meal trays are delivered at the following approximate time unless otherwise ordered by the physician: Breakfast-8 a.m. Lunch 12 noon Dinner 5 p.m. The cafeteria at Lehigh Regional Medical Center is located on the first floor. Regular cafeteria hours are: Breakfast 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. In addition, cofee and soda are available during visiting hours to family members of patients in the emergency department or in surgery. Vending machines with sandwiches, snacks, sweets, milk and soft drinks are accessible 24 hours a day/seven days a week in the cafeteria.

What is the smoking policy?

Lake Regional Health System, which includes Lake Regional Hospital and its affiliated clinics and pharmacies, is completely tobacco free. Visitors and employees are prohibited from using tobacco products on the premises. This includes all indoor and outdoor areas.

My doctor is a Fellow of the American Academy of Urgent Care Medicine. What is Urgent Care Medicine Fellowship?

The Degree of Fellow was established by the American Academy of Urgent Care Medicine to recognize members who have distinguished themselves among their colleagues by their participation in activities outside their medical practice. They have shown themselves to be exemplary physicians dedicated to education, their community and their profession.

The Health Management doctor, nurse, or business representative told me that the charge(s) for my services would be a certain amount, and I am being billed a different amount. Why?

Health Management hospital business office personnel are normally able to provide only an estimate of the cost of services in advance of care. Also, they are not always able to predict what other ancillary or professional services that your doctor may order. They do their best to provide accurate estimates of cost, but the final bill may be different from the original estimate.

Why do Health Management hospitals ask for my deductible, co-insurance or co-payment at the time of my visit?

Health Management hospitals ask that payments are made when you are at the hospital because hospital services have been or will be rendered during you visit. Health Management hospitals incur significant costs in provding our patients with quality healthcare; the payment of your bill or a portion of your bill at the time of service helps reduce these costs.

My urgent care center has "Urgent Care Center Accreditation." What does that mean?

Urgent Care Center Accreditation represents a benchmark of quality, not only to these involved in the health care industry, but to the public as well. When an urgent care center becomes accredited, the center completes an extensive process of internal self-study and external professional review by the AAUCM. Accreditation is a symbol that the urgent care center is committed to providing high-quality care. Accreditation is a voluntary process undertaken by the urgent care facility.

What about valuables?

Patients should not bring items of value to the hospital. If you do bring a valuable item, it should be deposited in the safe at the switchboard. You will be given a written receipt for all items, which must be presented when you withdraw them. The hospital does not accept responsibility for items of value unless they are deposited in the safe.

Who can visit?

Immediate family member and significant others may visit in the intensive care unit. However, we understand that on occasion a good friend may be as important to the patient and will be allowed to visit. Sometimes the patient/family may want to restrict visits during the first few days of hospitalization.

Will organ donation disfigure my body?

No. Organ and tissue donation does not change the way the body looks in the casket for the memorial service. For more information about deciding whether or not you would like to donate your tissues and/or organs after death, call Southwestern Transplant at (214) 522-0255.

Can my family or friends eat with me?

The cafeteria is open for the convenience of visitors and staff every day. If a friend or family member desires a meal, he or she may feel free to visit the cafeteria and purchase a meal. Hours are: Breakfast 7:00 a.m.- 8:30a.m. Lunch 11:30a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dinner 5:30- p.m.-7:15p.m. Vending machines are located outside the cafeteria and in the Emergency Department waiting room where beverages and snacks may be purchased 24-hours a day.

Can my family or friends eat with me?

The cafeteria is open for the convenience of visitors and staff every day. If your friend or family member desires a meal, he or she may visit the cafeteria and purschase a meal. Hours are: Breakfast 7:30 a.m- 9 a.m. Lunch 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dinner 5:30- p.m.-7 p.m. Vending machines are located outside the cafeteria and in the Emergency Department waiting room where beverages and snacks may be purchased 24-hours a day.

What are patient mealtimes?

Meals are served between 8:00-9:00am, 12-1:00pm, and 5:00-6:00pm.

Will there be television in my room?

For your entertainment and relaxation, all patient rooms are equipped with a television. We ask that you please keep the volume at a level that will not disturb other patients and minimize television use after 10 p.m. Privately owned television sets are not permitted because of electrical safety precautions.

Do I have to complete an Advance Directive?

Advance Directives are optional documents. However, if you chose to complete one, it is important that you provide a copy to members of your healthcare team. Please bring a copy of your Advance Directive, Living Will or Durable Power of Attorney to the hospital.

Can children visit?

Only children 14 and over should visit; Because it can be frightening for small children to asee a loved one in the Progessive Care Unit, we must prepare them in advance. We give them counseling and age-appropriate information before and after a visit to the Progressive Care Unit. Children must be accompanied by an adult in the Progressive Care Unit and in waiting rooms. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to visit patients in any unit.

What services are available for visitors?

Specially designated waiting areas for visitors and families are on each patient floor, in the main lobby and outside the Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Department, Surgery and Obstetrics. During certain hours, a volunteer is on duty in some waiting areas to assist family members. The Xpressions of Flavor coffee shops, located in the main lobby and near the Emergency Department, offer coffee, pastries, ice cream and other items. The Wish-U-Well gift shops, located in the main lobby and near the Emergency Department, offer a variety of gifts, toiletries, candies and magazines. Fresh flowers also are available. The cafeteria is located on the lower level of the hospital and is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. In addition, vending machines are located throughout the hospital.

My employee has a family member with H1N1. Can they come to work?

Yes, as long as they are well, they may come to work. However, they will need to closely monitor their condition for the next several days and stay home if they become ill.