DIRECT ADMIT

What Happens When Your Doctor Says You Need to Go to the Hospital?

You have been to your doctor because you don’t feel well, and your doctor has examined you and decides that you need to be admitted to the hospital for further tests. He tells you which hospital to go to, and that he will notify them that you are coming, but then what?

FLORIDA HOSPITAL Fish Memorial would like to offer you a guide as to what to expect when you are admitted to the hospital after a doctor’s referral. This guide will explain what happens before you get to your room and after you are admitted. A review of this guide before you get to the hospital will help you to know what it means to be a direct admittance patient at FLORIDA HOSPITAL Fish Memorial.

Being Admitted to the Hospital?

We know a hospital stay means leaving the comforts of home, the security of family and friends, and leaving your health in the hands of others. At FLORIDA HOSPITAL Fish Memorial, we want to make your stay as pleasant and safe as possible. Of course we understand not all hospital admissions allow time to "pre-plan." However, when your situation allows, the following are some suggestions to consider when being admitted to the hospital.

We encourage you to bring the following items with you to the hospital:

• Advance Directives (such as a Living Will or Healthcare Surrogate information) - if you have any.
• Insurance Cards (Medicare, Medicaid, commercial), organ donor card (if you have one), ID card and/or Driver's License if available.
• A list of your medications (include supplements like vitamins, over the counter medications and herbals).
• A list of any allergies to food, medicines, or other items.
• The telephone number of an emergency contact person (a friend or relative).
• Personal items (All items can be provided by the hospital, but depending upon how long you plan to be with us and for your personal comfort, you may wish to bring your pajamas, toothbrush, comb, etc).
• We want you and your family members to be well informed about the care and services provided to you while you are a patient at FLORIDA HOSPITAL Fish Memorial. Please feel free to ask questions. Do not agree to accept any procedure, treatment or medication without understanding the need for it.
• Co-pays (if applicable), are collected prior to discharge from the hospital. You may speak to a Financial Counselor before, during or after your admission to the hospital by calling (386) 917-5408
• Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

We encourage you to please leave the following at home:

• Valuables (watches, jewelry, money, cell phones, credit cards, etc.).
• Medications, vitamins, over the counter medications, herbals.
• Plug-in electrical appliances (such as razors or curling irons).
• Food or snacks.
• Please, no small children or family/visitors who are not feeling well.
• FLORIDA HOSPITAL Fish Memorial is a non-smoking facility.

Before You Get to Your Room

1. Follow the signs in the parking lot that lead you to the Outpatient Entrance. (Outpatient will be labeled in purple on the hospital directional and the building will be marked with a purple #2.) DO NOT GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM! Your doctor has already notified the hospital that you are coming, and you do not need to go through the emergency room triage and procedures.
2. Give your name to the receptionist at the Outpatient desk and be sure to tell him or her that your doctor is referring you for direct admittance to the hospital.
3. The registrar will call your name, and you will need to provide the registrar with your proof of insurance, ID card, and your doctor’s orders for the hospital.
4. After the registrar has entered your information into the computer and placed an order for a bed, you may have a short wait until a room can be cleaned and bed prepared. You may sit and relax in the Outpatient area.
5. Once your room is ready, an auxiliary member or nurse will come with a wheelchair to take you up to your room.

When You Get to Your Room

1. The nurse will ask you to undress and to put on a hospital gown.
2. After you have changed and are in your hospital bed, the nurse will take your vitals to begin your chart, and will insert an IV catheter to make it easier for you to receive your required medications.
3. A lab technician may draw your blood, or depending on what your doctor has ordered, an x-ray technician may take you for an x-ray.
4. Please be advised that your consumption of food and drink may be restricted by your doctor. The hospital staff wants you to be safe and comfortable, but their primary focus is your health and they will follow the doctor’s instructions.
5. Don’t expect your doctor to visit on your first day in the hospital. You are in excellent care of the nurses, and if your condition should change in any way, the nurse will be sure to notify the doctor. Otherwise, the doctor will typically see you on the day following your admittance to make sure that you are settled and receiving the care ordered.
6. Familiarize yourself with your room, and ask the nurse any questions you have concerning your stay. Your comfort and well being are important parts of your recovery.

Patient satisfaction and education are a top priority at FLORIDA HOSPITAL Fish Memorial. If at any time during your visit you have questions or concerns, please ask any staff member and they will gladly assist you. We thank you for trusting us with your health care needs.