Your Doctor
Your doctor arranges for your admission, decides what tests and procedures you receive, prescribes your medications and diet in the hospital, and decides when you are ready to be discharged. It is important that you discuss your care with your doctor while you are hospitalized at Brooks Memorial Hospital.
Planning Ahead
Helpful Hints for Planning Ahead For Admission to Brooks Memorial Hospital:
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Advance Directive/Health Care Proxy
Completing an Advance Directive or a Health Care Proxy will allow you to have your wishes regarding your care carried out when you are not able to make decisions for yourself. If you have an Advance Directive/Health Care Proxy, bring a copy when you report to Admitting. You can get the forms at your physician's office or Brooks Memorial Hospital.
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Contact Person
It is important to designate someone to be your contact person. This is someone that the health-care team can communicate with regarding your condition. The contact person will be responsible for communicating information to your family and friends. Having a designated contact person ensures information will be communicated timely and effectively.
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Support Network
It is important for you to establish a plan regarding who will be able to assist you at home after you are discharged. This plan should include who will assist you with cooking, cleaning, errands, doctor's appointments and personal care (bathing, dressing changes, etc.).
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We never expect to become sick and require hospitalization. That's why it is important to plan ahead in case some day you are admitted.
Registration Information
Brooks Memorial Hospital is committed to providing you with the best medical care possible.
During registration, our registrars collect personal information from you. All the information you supply us during this admission process will be kept confidential to protect your privacy. You are protected by laws allowing you to control the release of, and access to, certain types of information regarding your care. It is important for your care that we have updated information in your records.
Bring your insurance card when you are admitted. We make a copy of it so we can bill your insurer directly for your covered benefits. Your co-payments are expected at this time.
We encourage you and your family to help improve your care to achieve the best possible outcomes both during and after your hospital stay by taking an active role and openly communicating with your healthcare team. Your healthcare team will partner with your physician to provide and monitor your care throughout your stay. You and your family will also have access to many resources to assist with special or personal needs. These resources include:
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Volunteers can help make your hospital stay more comfortable by providing reading materials or other activities.
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Chaplains can provide spiritual help, including arranging communion or a visit from your priest or faith-group representative.
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Social Workers or Financial Counselors can assist with community resources or help with an issue at home.
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Case Managers can help facilitate your discharge and help you prepare for next steps in your care process, whether at home or another facility.
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It is important that you understand what your insurance covers and where you can go for care. Many insurance plans require pre-certification before admission. to avoid reduced benefits, call your insurance company to verify your coverage and make sure your authorizations are in order. If you have any financial questions, please call our Financial Counselors at 1-716-363-7214 or 1-716-363-7224, weekdays from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
If you are having surgery, make sure you understand exactly what will be done, how long it will take and what you should expect during recovery.
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If you have concerns or think something is wrong, speak up. You can question anyone involved in your care.
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Make sure your doctor or nurse confirms your identity (for example, checks your wristband or asks your name) before he or she administers any medication or treatment.
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Notice whether your caregivers in the hospital or at home have washed their hands. Hand washing is the most important way to prevent the spread of infections. Don't be afraid to gently remind any of your caregivers to do this.
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If you have a test, make sure you get and understand the results.
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Become informed about your condition. If it would make you feel more comfortable, have a friend or family member with you to ask questions of your doctor and help you understand the answers. Ask your doctor about your treatment options. If you fully understand the benefits, risks and side effects you can make better decisions about your own health.
Discharge Information
Your physician will determine when you are able to leave the hospital. Hospital stays are much shorter than they once were. Patients are being discharged sooner to recover at home. People do recover much quicker in the familiar environment of their own home where they enjoy privacy and comfort. Physicians generally make their rounds in the morning, and the discharge time generally occurs shortly after that. Please make appropriate arrangements with your support network for your transportation home. If you are being discharged to another facility, for example a nursing home, Brooks Memorial Hospital staff will assist in making the appropriate transportation arrangements. Your nurse will give you discharge instructions and any prescriptions needed for your recovery. Discharge time and instructions are personalized to your particular procedure and how well you are recovering. Please note that prescriptions need to be filled at an outside pharmacy.
If you have questions or concerns about your discharge, please speak with your nurse or social worker.
Understand Your Medications
Here are several tips:
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Tell your doctor about ALL the medications you are currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal treatments or supplements; and about any allergies you have to medications.
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When you leave the hospital, you will probably need medications to take at home. Be sure you receive written prescriptions for these medications.
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If your doctor writes a prescription, make sure you can read it. And, make sure you understand how and when to take it, and what the possible side effects are.
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When you pick up a prescription from a pharmacy, open the package and have the pharmacist confirm that it is the drug your doctor prescribed.
Outpatient Testing
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If the procedure you are having done must be scheduled (surgery, MRI, Cat Scan, Cardiac Stress test, etc.), your doctor's office usually schedules these exams for you.
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If you do not Advance Register, you will have to register when you come in. Please allow time for this, particularly if you are having a scheduled procedure done. Please arrive 30 minutes before your exam start time.
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Please be aware that your insurance company may require pre-authorization for specific Radiology, Cardiology, Oncology, or Surgical Services. This must be obtained prior to services being provided. Please check with your insurance company by either reviewing your policy or calling them. If authorization is required and it is obtained we will need the authorization number for proper billing.
Valuables
Leave unnecessary valuables at home. Be prepared to pay your copayments and deductibles, but do not bring large amounts of cash with you. We cannot be responsible for loss or breakage of personal items brought into the hospital.
