4 Things You Should Absolutely Know Before Going to the Hospital

Some people tend to be apprehensive when they check into a hospital for admission. There is absolutely no need to be nervous because you are in there to be treated upon. Trust your doctors and the medical team to work to your advantage.

Before you check into a hospital for admission, you should be aware of some important things.

Information about the condition – A sense of apprehension creeps in when you do not have an idea about what you are going through. Speak to your doctor and get comprehensive information about the diagnostic tests, expectations from the treatment and the medication. With knowledge, there will be less fear and more optimism and awareness.

Health Insurance - If you have taken health insurance and are being admitted for an illness, you should be aware of the ‘exclusions’ involved. Factors in costs like room rent to know how much of the insurance amount will be paid. If you are checking into a hospital that is a part of the network hospitals of your health insurance company, you will be eligible for the cashless benefit. Otherwise, you may have to pay the medical expense and then wait for reimbursement by the insurance company.

Disclosing information - it is possible that a specialist is performing a procedure may not know about

the other medications or alternative therapy that you may be taking. If you are taking blood thinners or vitamin supplements, inform the doctor about them. Keep a note of prescribed medications that are needed and arrange for a friend or relative to have them ready. Delegate a person who can call or email other people about the surgery or procedure. Get information on the visiting hours and the discharge date.

Getting things ready – Your doctor will determine if you need to go for laboratory tests, surgery or some other treatment when you are in the hospital. You may need to carry the document that is a validation of your admission to the hospital. Know beforehand about how long you have to wait before admission. Get information about the time and date of the treatment, which room or ward to go for treatment and such other things. Find out from the doctor’s office about if you should fast or the kind of diet you should have, before going for the procedure. You may also need to get reports of lab tests like X-rays.

Know the names of doctors and other health assistants that you need to get in touch with, before the procedure. Bring along any letters from your primary care physician, should the specialist needs to double-check them. If there is a consent form that you need to sign before surgery, go through it carefully before signature. You may want to discuss the details in the consent form with your family or friends too. Get information about the post-operative procedure as well.

The diagnostic tests and other examinations will give a fair idea to the doctor about a medical procedure that may be needed. If there is a surgery or admission to be done, and it is not an emergency, you can plan it accordingly and inform people at the workplace, so that there is no disruption of work. Also, it is possible that during the weekends, the doctor who attends to you may be having a day off and someone else would be stepping in for him. Make sure that you have his or her contact information and the said person is in the loop about your health condition.

Your doctor is the best judge to prescribe the course of treatment beneficial to you, and if you would really need a hospital stay. One of the determinants is the diagnostic tests. Contact a reputed center for diagnostic services to know about the state of your health.