Be Prepared: Hospital Admission

Good preparation can make a huge difference when you are admitted to a hospital.

Points to Remember:

Make sure you are adequately insured

If you have insurance:

Review your insurance before you need to use it. Find out what the insurance covers and if you have any deductibles. Also find out if you need to ask special permission for any procedures. The insurance may have agreements with specific providers for discounted services.

If your insurance is inadequate, you may look into additional insurance for certain conditions/treatments.

If you do not have insurance:

Get insurance before you need to use it.

Contact several local insurance agents, or check online for quotes.

Find out if you qualify for COBRA (especially if you have recently become unemployed, you may be able to get it from your previous employer).

If you cannot afford regular health insurance find out if there are state run programs (like the CHIP program for children) available to you.

Maintain a medical health record for you and your family members.

Ask your parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters about their health ? that information can give valuable information regarding your risk of getting certain diseases as some are linked genetically. Keep a record of any vaccinations, procedures, allergies, symptoms and lab results.

If you have some special requirements, make a list of those as well, for example certain food preferences (vegetarian), religious restrictions (no pork), cultural considerations (maintain a head cover at all times)

Be prepared

Have a list ready for items you may use in a hospital. If you are going for a planned admission, you will have time to pack all items. Have the list in an easy to find place so you can find it in case of an emergency.

Some items to be included:

Your insurance papers, health record, small amount of cash, personal care products, address book (you may not be able to use your smart phone due to interference with electronic equipment), pen + note pad, books/magazines to read, cd/mp3 player with music and/or audio books, comfortable clothing, comfortable foot wear, pillow

Write down any questions you may have for your doctor, nurse or therapist

You will find that you only think of questions to ask when they are not in the room. Don?t be afraid to ask questions. It is important to be fully informed. Ask for clarifications as needed.

Keep a record of treatments, doctors visits, procedures

Compare your record with the billing statement you receive.

According to the Medical Billing Advocates of America as many as 9 out of 10 bills from hospitals and medical providers include errors (Wikipedia).

Remember: doctors, nurses, therapists and other staff are people too.

Treat them with kindness and appreciate the work they do. All are affected by the cuts in health care and staffing. Acknowledge the cleaners, orderlies and volunteers. They play an important part in making your stay as agreeable as possible.

Get better service, save money and be informed!

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Source: http://toddsblogs.com/healthandfitness/2012/08/10/be-prepared-hospital-admission/

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