About Your Hunterdon Medical Center Admission
Before Your Elective Procedure or Surgery
Your physician may ask you to come to the Ambulatory Testing Center at Hunterdon Medical Center for diagnostic tests three to fourteen days before your scheduled admission. Please stop at the Admitting Office on the first floor to register for your pre-admission tests. Be sure to bring your insurance information, your driver's license and two other forms of identification. Please be sure to use your legal name on all documents.
After registering, you will be directed to the Ambulatory Testing Center, where you will complete the tests ordered by your doctor. The Ambulatory Testing Center is located on the second floor directly across from the main elevator, and is open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The pre-admission testing program smooths the way for your hospital stay and enables you to complete the required diagnostic testing prior to your surgery or procedure. However there are certain blood tests which, if performed more than seven days before surgery, may need to be repeated again when you are admitted.
On the Day of Your Elective Procedure or Surgery
When you arrive at the hospital on the day of your surgery or procedure, you will go directly to the Same Day Center at the time you were requested to report. The Same Day Center is located on the second floor to the right of the main elevator.
Advance Directive/Living Will
New Jersey law requires that the Medical Center document in your medical record whether or not you have an advance directive and/or living will. If you have an advance directive and/or living will, you should submit a copy to the Admitting Office at the time of your admission. If you do not have one, or if you would like to learn more, or would like to write one, you may request information, including a sample living will form. These are available from the Admitting Office or your nurse.
Making Choices in Advance Directives and Living Wills
We strongly recommend that you put into writing your specific wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment, and that you choose a person (healthcare representative) to make these healthcare decisions for you should you be physically or mentally unable to do so.
It is important to discuss your wishes with your physician so that both of you are comfortable with your choices.
Please note that all patients upon each admission process will be asked whether they have an advance directive. This is in compliance with governmental regulations. If you or a loved one would like to obtain a copy of an advance directive, or if you need help filling one out, please call the hospital chaplain at (908) 788-6163. You may also ask your bedside nurse or contact a social worker at (908) 788-6143.
Identification Band
The identification band placed around your wrist in the Admitting Office or Same Day Center is for your protection; it should remain on at all times.
What To Bring
Almost everything you will need during your hospitalization is provided. We recommend that you bring with you only those articles essential to your comfort-slippers, pajamas or a gown, a robe and toilet articles. You may want to bring a magazine or book, but books and writing paper may be purchased from the Volunteers' Gift Cart which makes rounds of patient areas daily. Dentures, eye glasses and contact lenses should be kept in protective cases when not in use.
What Not To Bring
Since the Medical Center cannot be responsible for your personal belongings, it is best to leave them at home.
Unless your physician tells you otherwise, do not bring medications to the hospital. All necessary medications will be prescribed by your physician and provided by our pharmacy.
Chaplain
The Medical Center Chaplain is available to provide spiritual and emotional support to our patients and their families.
You may request a visit from the Chaplain by calling the Chaplain's office at (908) 788-6163, or by asking your nurse to contact him.
If you provide the name of your congregation when you are admitted, or advise the Chaplain, your own pastor, priest or rabbi will be notified of your hospitalization.
A Meditation Room on the first floor at the rear of the hospital lobby is available at all hours to patients and visitors for private prayer and meditation.
About Your Hospital Bill
The bill for your hospitalization will be determined by the services provided to you during your stay with us. The room charge includes meals and routine nursing care. You may also have additional charges for special services such as radiology tests, laboratory tests, physical therapy, electrocardiography, special medications ordered by your physician and operating room fees.
Charges that are not covered by your particular insurance plan are due and payable upon receipt of your bill. If you have any questions about your hospital bill or if you anticipate any financial difficulty, please contact our Business Office or Patient Accounts Department (908) 788-6194, located on the first floor off the main lobby.
Answers to Frequently Asked Billing Questions
Private Physician Bills
Physician fees are usually billed separately by your physician. For example, anesthesiologist, emergency physician and radiologist fees are not part of your hospital bill.
Insurance
Most patients are covered by insurance such as Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Medicare, Medicaid, HMOs or other commercial insurance plans.
If you have Blue Cross, Medicare or Medicaid coverage, you must bring your identification card when you are admitted. Patients eligible for Medicare must fill out special forms at the time of admission.
If you carry other hospital insurance we will need to review your identification card and may require signed claim forms on admission with your authorization to your insurance company to pay the benefits directly to the hospital. Your insurance company may ask you to notify them of your admission.
Business Office Representative
For your convenience, you will not receive a bill from the Medical Center until after we have received payment from your insurance company and/or we determine the amount due from you, unless you request a copy sooner. However, during your stay at the hospital, you and your family may have questions regarding your hospital bill. You can call a Business Office Representative, 908-788-6196, or visit the Patient Accounts Department, which is located on the first floor off the main lobby and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. A representative will come to your room to answer any questions, if necessary.
Employee Benefits
When You Are Ill
Disability Benefits
If you are employed and covered under your employer's disability benefits, you or someone you delegate should (1) ask the employer for the form necessary to start your claim. When you get the form (2) answer the questions directed to you. Then, (3) give the form to the physician treating you. The physician will complete the form and either mail it to your employer or return it to you.
If you have private insurance coverage that pays disability income while you are disabled, ask the insurance company for a claim form. Then follow steps (2) and (3) above. Disability benefits do not pay medical bills.
Worker's Compensation
If you were injured on the job and believe you are entitled to income under your state's Worker's Compensation program, you should (1) immediately notify your employer. He must (2) notify the insurance company representative who will (3) send a medical information questionnaire to the physician treating you. The physician will (4) complete the form and return it to the insurance company. You will start receiving income payments depending on how soon each of the above steps is started and completed.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in all areas of Hunterdon Medical Center, and at the main entrances to the Medical Center. Outdoor smoking areas are located: in a designated area outside the Emergency Department entrance; outside the Hunterdon Behavioral Health entrance at the rear of HMC; and on the 3W patio.
Your Discharge
Your discharge from Hunterdon Medical Center will be determined by your physician who will write your discharge order. We ask your cooperation in leaving the hospital before 11 a.m. so that your room may be prepared for other patients arriving later in the day.
Patient Satisfaction
Providing quality care and service to our patients is the primary concern of the staff of Hunterdon Medical Center. The opinions of our patients concerning their experience help us determine how well we are meeting this goal and allow us to make necessary improvements or changes. Several weeks after you are discharged, you will receive a patient satisfaction questionnaire. We would appreciate your completing the questionnaire and returning it to us.
Patient Rights
While you are a patient in our hospital you can be assured that you are being cared for by a team of health professionals dedicated to providing the highest quality care possible. Our goal is to meet your health care needs in a manner that is efficient, effective and compassionate.
Whether you are in Hunterdon Medical Center for one week or one hour, you should be aware of your rights as a patient and what you can expect from this hospital in regard to communication, costs, privacy, legal rights and other issues.
It is our goal to work with you to effectively manage your pain through ongoing assessment and timely responsive interventions. You can expect to receive information about pain relief measures, as appropriate, and to be involved in decisions related to the management of your pain.
As a patient in Hunterdon Medical Center, a New Jersey hospital, you have the following rights under N.J.A.C. 8:43G-4.1 (a) 27. Medical Care. To receive understanding, considerate, and respectful care in a safe patient care environment.
To receive an understandable explanation from your physician of your complete medical condition, recommended treatment, expected results, risks involved, and reasonable medical alternatives. If your physician believes that some of this information would be detrimental to your health or beyond your ability to understand, the explanation must be given to your next of kin or guardian.
To give informed, written consent prior to the start of specified, non-emergency medical procedures or treatments. Your physician should explain to you-in words you understand-specific details about the recommended procedure or treatment, any risks involved, time required for recovery, and any reasonable medical alternatives.
To refuse medication and treatment after possible consequences of this decision have been explained clearly to you, unless the situation is life-threatening or the procedure is required by law.
To expect and receive appropriate assessment, management and treatment of pain.
To be included in experimental research only if you give informed, written consent. You have the right to refuse to participate.
Communication and Information
To be informed of the names and functions of all health care professionals providing you with personal care.
To receive, as soon as possible, reasonable accommodations in verbal or written communication that may include interpreter or telecommunication device for the deaf (TDD), someone to sign or information and services for the blind.
To be informed of the names and functions of any outside health care and educational institutions involved in your treatment. You may refuse to allow their participation.
To receive, upon request, the hospital's written policies and procedures regarding life-saving methods and the use or withdrawal of life support mechanisms.
To be advised in writing of the hospital's rules regarding the conduct of patients and visitors.
To receive a summary of your patient rights that includes the name and phone number of the hospital staff member to whom you can direct questions or complain about any possible violation of your rights.
Medical Records
To have prompt access to the information in your medical record. If your physician feels that this access is detrimental to your health, your next of kin or guardian has a right to see your record.
To obtain a copy of your medical record, at a reasonable fee, within 30 days after a written request to the hospital.
Cost of Hospital Care
To receive a copy of the hospital payment rates. If you request an itemized bill, the hospital must provide one, and explain any questions you may have. You have a right to appeal any charges.
To be informed by the hospital if part or all of your bill will not be covered by insurance. The hospital is required to help you obtain any public assistance and private health care benefits to which you may be entitled.
Discharge Planning
To receive information and assistance from your attending physician and other health care providers if you need to arrange for continuing health care after your discharge from the hospital.
To receive sufficient time before discharge to arrange for continuing health care needs.
To be informed by the hospital about any appeal process to which you are entitled by law if you disagree with the hospital's discharge plans.
Transfers
To be transferred to another facility only when you or your family have made the request, or in instances where the transferring hospital is unable to provide you with the care you need.
To receive an advance explanation from a physician of the reasons for your transfer and possible alternatives.
Personal Needs
To be treated with courtesy, consideration, and respect for your dignity and individuality, in a safe and decent environment.
To have access to storage space in your room for private use. The hospital must also have a system to safeguard your personal property.
Private Duty Nursing
To contract directly with a New Jersey licensed registered professional nurse of your choice during your hospitalization. The hospital, upon request, shall provide the patient or designee with a list of registries that refer nurses for private professional care.
Freedom from Abuse and Restraints
To remain free from physical and mental abuse
Domestic Violence and Rape Hotline
908-788-4044
Division of Youth and Family Services Hotline
1-800-792-8610
Adult Protective Services
908-788-1300
To remain free from restraints unless authorized by a physician for a limited time for your safety or safety of others.
Privacy and Confidentiality
To have physical privacy during medical treatment and personal hygiene functions, unless you need assistance.
To confidential management of your information. Information in your records will not be released to anyone outside the hospital without your approval, unless it is required by law.
To understand that Hunterdon Medical Center may use and disclose protected health information with your approval for the purposes of treatment, payment and health care operations.
Legal Rights
To have access to treatment and medical services without discrimination based on age, religion, national origin, gender, sexual preferences, handicap, diagnosis, ability to pay, or source of payment.
To exercise all your constitutional, civil, and legal rights.
Questions and Complaints
To present questions or grievances to a designated hospital staff member and to receive a response in a reasonable period of time. The hospital must provide you with the address and telephone number of the New Jersey Department of Health agency that handles questions and complaints. You may directly contact the N.J. Department of Health Complaint Hotline at 1-800-792-9770.
This list of Patient Rights is an abbreviated summary of the current New Jersey law and regulations governing the rights of hospital patients. For more complete information consult N.J. Department of Health and Senior Services regulations at N.J.A.C. 8:43G-4, or Public Law 1989-Chapter 170, available through your hospital.
We are committed to your rights as a patient; if you have a concern regarding your care or one of these rights please ask to speak to a manager or call: Patient Advocate 788-2580 Director, Patient Care Services 788-6154 Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer 908-788-6151.
Resolution of Complaints
We want your stay at Hunterdon Medical Center to be as pleasant as possible. We recognize, however, that there may be times when you or your family feel we have not completely met your needs.
We pledge our prompt attention and assistance to you to resolve problems whenever possible.
If you have a complaint or special need, please contact the nurse manager on your floor. If you wish to report your concerns to someone else, you may contact:
Patient Advocate
788-2580
Director of Patient Care Services
788-6154
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
788-6151
You may also contact the New Jersey Department of Health to register a complaint at the following address:
New Jersey Department of Health
Division of Health Facilities Evaluation & Licensing
CN 367
Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0367
1-800-792-9770
The Joint Commission
1-800-994-6610
complaint@jointcommission.org
Patient Responsibilities
Hunterdon Medical Center respects you as an individual, and recognizes your rights as a patient. We are committed to working with you in a partnership which will allow us to provide the best care possible. We ask you to work with us in exercising your responsibilities as a patient.
You, as the patient, play a large role in ensuring your medical safety. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information about your medical history, the signs and symptoms of your illness, your perceived risks in your care, and other matters relating to your health. You are also responsible for reporting any unexpected changes in your condition to your healthcare provider. If you do not completely understand any of the questions asked of you, our staff will provide further explanation.
Talk to your doctor about your illness. When you understand and agree to the treatment your doctor provides, it is important to follow the doctor's recommendations carefully. The staff can help you best if you follow the treatment plan, take all medications as directed, comply with any restrictions on your diet, and keep all scheduled appointments. Again, in an effort to ensure your medical safety, it is important to notify your caregiver if the doctor's recommendations are not followed or if you experience an unexpected change in your condition.
Discuss the cost of your care with your doctor or a member of our Business Office staff. You should also review your health insurance coverage and limitations. Your employer, insurance carrier, or a member of our Business Office staff can help to answer your questions.
We suggest that you entrust items of personal, sentimental, or financial value to a friend or family member.
While our staff makes every effort to protect your property from loss, you are responsible for personal items, including dentures, eyeglasses, and hearing aids. You should keep these items in protective cases when not in use, and take care not to leave them on meal trays. Should you discover that an item is lost, please notify your nurse immediately to help locate it.