What to bring with you to the hospital
When you visit the hospital, having essential information on hand reduces stress and makes your visit more pleasant. Please bring the following:
- A list of your current medications including dosages; print medication chart
- Insurance, Medicare, and/or Medicaid card(s)
- Military medical card
- Photo ID such as driver's license, passport, employee photo ID badge, military ID, or government-issued identification
- A copy of your advance medical directives (AMD)
- Employer information for workers' compensation claims
- Guarantor (person responsible for the bill) information; this information may change due to divorce or custody issues
- Automobile insurance card (in cases of automobile accident)
- Test order from physician
- Attending physician information
- Pre-authorization and/or referrals
- Financial means to cover co-pay and deductibles
- Personal items
Freeman Health System provides patient gowns, nonskid socks, and personal hygiene items; however, many patients prefer to bring their own items from home. The list below may be helpful in preparing for your hospital stay.
- Sleepwear (gown, pajamas, sweat pants, tee shirt, etc)
- Robe
- Loose fitting comfortable clothes for discharge
- Footwear (shoes should be well fitting and have a non- skid sole)
- List of all current medications
- Personal hygiene items
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Comb/brush
- Soap/shampoo
We understand that patients need to keep items such as eyeglasses, dentures, and hearing aids with them. Please leave cash, jewelry, and other valuables at home and follow these tips to protect your belongings. Ask the nursing staff to label items such as canes, walkers, wheelchairs, hearing aids/cases, eyeglasses/cases, and denture cups.
Do not put eyeglasses, dentures, or other valuables on meal trays, in your bed, or in pillowcases; they could get mixed in with dirty dishes or laundry and be removed from your room by mistake.
Keep eyeglasses in their case when not in use (to avoid breakage or loss). Use only designated containers for dentures and hearing aids. Use the hospital safe to secure your valuables until you leave the hospital.