Going Home
The discharge process is completed as early in the day as possible.
It is important that you make arrangements for going home. Your
nurse, case manager or social worker will be happy to assist you with
arranging transportation for getting home if you need assistance.
Here are some important guidelines for discharge:
- A member of your health care team will discuss follow-up treatment with you and make sure you have a ride home.
- Please arrange for a friend or family member to accompany you home.
This individual may park in the main visitor lot and then come to your
room.
- A hospital employee will escort you to meet your ride.
Information to help you prepare for discharge
The following information is provided to assist you during your hospital
stay and also to help you prepare for discharge. We encourage you to
participate in your health care by collaborating with your health care team during education periods and by asking questions about those things that you do not understand.
You
will receive education during your hospital stay via video, written
materials, verbal instruction, demonstration from your health care
team and so forth. In addition, supplementary educational materials will be given to you at the time of your discharge.
Medications
Your doctor will prescribe medications to improve or manage your condition
(such as antibiotics, pain medications, blood pressure medications and
blood thinners). You should take these medications exactly how your
doctor prescribes.
Exercise/Activity
Activity and exercise are important for your well-being. While you are
in the hospital, your activity may be restricted. As your condition
improves, your activity level will be increased. Most patients will be
able to gradually resume activity as before. You should follow your
doctor’s activity recommendations.
What to do if your condition changes
Once you leave the hospital, you should contact your doctor’s office to
make a follow-up appointment. If at any time you have any questions
or concerns or your condition gets worse, contact your physician
immediately. If you cannot reach your physician, you should go to the
closest emergency department. If you develop life- threatening
symptoms such as breathing problems or chest pain, call 911 immediately.
Education at Discharge
You will receive additional information on your specific condition before
you are discharged. If you have any questions concerning this
information, please ask your doctor or nurse before you are discharged.
Billing and Financial Considerations
A summary bill will be sent to you approximately two weeks after you return home. Like most hospitals, there are two billing systems at Sinai Hospital. One is for hospital charges such as your room, medications, equipment and other items used for medical care. The other is for professional services such as fees for services provided by physicians and specialists. Each of these professionals will bill separately. For questions, please call 410-601-1094.
As a courtesy, we will submit bills to the insurance companies for which you identify coverage. Insurance usually covers most charges except for television, private room differential, insurance deductibles and co-payments.
Arrangements to pay any unpaid charges should be made at the time of discharge. For your convenience, a number of payment options are available. These include Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, money orders, personal checks and cash. Installment payment plans are available. A 2 percent discount is given if your bill is paid within 30 days.
For questions about your hospital bill or to request an itemized bill, please call the Customer Service department at 410-601-4488, weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.