Sinai Hospital - Discharge Information
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 healthcare 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 the person giving you a ride home.
Information to help you prepare for discharge
The following information is provided to assist you during your hospital
stay and preparations for discharge. We encourage you to
participate in your healthcare by collaborating with your care team during education periods and by asking questions about anything you do not fully understand.
You
will receive education during your hospital stay via video, written
materials, verbal instruction, demonstrations by your healthcare
team and so forth. In addition, supplementary educational materials will be given to you at the time of your discharge.
Medications
Your doctor may prescribe medications to help improve or manage your condition
(such as antibiotics, pain medications, blood pressure medications and/or
blood thinners). You should take these medications exactly as directed by your
doctor.
Exercise/Activity
Regular exercise is 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 gradually increased. Most patients are able to resume normal activity over time. 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
nearest 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 other hospitals, there are two billing systems at Sinai Hospital: one for hospital charges (such as your room, medications, equipment and other items used for medical care), and another for professional services (such as fees for services provided by physicians and specialists). If you have any questions, please call 410-601-1094.
As a courtesy, we will submit bills to your insurance company. 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 one 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 Customer Service at 410-601-1094 (available weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.).