Surgery Today - Visitor´s Guide
Your physician may order diagnostic tests in preparation for your surgery. It is important you receive these tests from sites that are covered by your insurance; otherwise, you may receive a bill for these services.
Be sure to take insurance card(s); use your legal name on all documents.
A registered nurse will contact you prior to your surgery for registration information and a brief medical history, and to give you specific instructions. If you do not wish to be called, it will be your responsibility to contact Surgery Today between 5 a.m. and 4 p.m. no later than 1 working day prior to your surgery.
Advance Directives/Living Wills
New Jersey law requires that the facility 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 receptionist 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 receptionist or your nurse.
On January 11, 1992, a New Jersey law took effect which mandates that all health care facilities ask patients whether they have an advance directive or living will. At Surgery Today we have made this part of the admitting process. If you have an advance directive or living will, please bring it with you to Surgery Today on the day of your scheduled procedure.
If you do not have an advance directive or living will, please read the following information. An advance directive or living will is a document which allows you to give written instruction ot those caring for you indicating the type of health care you wish to receive or reject in the event you become unable to express these decisions for yourself. There are three types of advance directives:
- A Proxy Directive – In a proxy directive, a competent adult names a trusted relative or friend to make health care decisions on his or her behalf when he or she is unable to make these decisions.
- An Instructive Directive – In an instructive directive, a competent adult provides specific written instructions concerning the type of medical treatment he or she would want performed, or would not want performed, and under what circumstances.
- A Combined Directive – In this document, a competent adult states his or her general wishes regarding the kind of health care he or she wished to receive but appoints a trusted relative or friend to carry them out.
A brochure containing living will forms and instructions is available from the NJ Bioethics Commission. If you wish to receive the brochure, please send a 9 inch by 12 inch self–stamped envelope with $1 postage to:
The NJ Bioethics Commission
CN 061
Trenton, NJ 08625
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, please speak to our receptionist or your nurse.
Identification Band
The identification band placed around your wrist in the pre–operative area is for your protection; it should remain on at all times.
About Financial Arrangements and Medical Insurance
We are committed to providing you with the best possible care during your visit at Surgery Today. If you have medical insurance we want to help you receive your maximum allowable benefits.
Upon your arrival at Surgery Today, please present all current insurance cards to the receptionist. This will speed up the admitting process.
Charges for these services are called "Facility Fees". Bills your receive from Surgery Today do not represent your doctors’ bills. In special instances we may accept assignment of insurance benefits (i.e. HMO, PPO, Medicare, etc.)
You must realize, however, that:
- The fee does not usually include anesthesia services, x–rays, pathology fees, laboratory tests, EKGs, or medications prescribed for use at home.
- Not all services are covered in all contracts. Insurance companies select services they will not cover.
- If you do not have medical insurance or if your procedure is not covered by your insurance policies, full payment is required at the time of admission unless other payment arrangements are made in advance. We will contact you regarding our payment policies.
- All co–pays are due at the time of service.
- Our billing department submits your claim for you as long as all updated insurance information has been received. (ID #, Group #, Insurance Address).
- Any balance due after insurance is your responsibility. Please submit payment within 30 days.
We realize that temporary financial problems may affect timely payment fo your account. If such problems do arise, we encourage you to contact us promptly for assistance in the management of your account to avoid collection agency involvement.
If you have any questions about the above information or any uncertainty regarding insurance coverage, please don´t hesitate to ask the billing department. (908) 806-7017, ext. 107.
Business Office Representative
For your convenience, you will not receive a bill from Surgery Today 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.
Smoke Free Building
Surgery Today is located in the 31 North Office Centre, a smoke–free building. Smoking is permitted outside the bulding only.
Patient Satisfaction
Providing quality care and service to our patients is the primary concern of the staff of Surgery Today. 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 in care. Approximately 1 week after your surgery, you may receive a patient satisfaction questionnaire. We would appreciate your completing the questionnaire and returning it to us.
Resolution of Complaints
We want your stay at Surgery Today 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 problem or special need, please contact the Executive Director. If you wish to discuss your concerns with someone else, you may call the Medical Director at (908) 806-7017.
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
Patient Responsibilities
The staff of Surgery Today 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 staff. You should also review your health insurance coverage and limitations. Your employer, insurance carrier, or a member of our 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.