FAQ’s for Hospital Safety & Elective Procedures

YOUR SAFE CARE IS OUR PRIORITY

The impact of COVID-19 changes many things about our lives. One thing that hasn’t changed is our commitment to your health and safety. In addition to caring for you in an emergency, we are now able to care for your non-emergency procedures, too. As we return to general procedures, we realize you may have concerns about coming to a hospital. Here are answers to questions you may have. 

Jump to a section:

• Hospital Safety FAQs
• Visting the Hospital/Day of Procedure FAQs
• COVID-19 & Testing FAQs
• Payment Plan Information

Hospital Safety FAQs

Is it safe for me to go to the hospital or should I wait? 

The hospital is a safe place to receive care and has taken every precaution by combining strong infection prevention processes, training, testing and supply of personal protective equipment. 

For patients, this includes screening all patients and visitors who enter the hospital, isolating anyone that meets potential COVID criteria immediately, and providing testing to those individuals. Those without potential COVID risk will be offered a face mask, hand sanitizer and gloves upon entry; be asked to practice social distancing in the common area; and be directed by signage to take “COVID clear” routes. 

We encourage you to receive the care recommended by your physician or when needed in a medical emergency. Delaying care can result in additional health complications, increased risk of mortality or loss of function, and longer hospital stays with decreased likelihood of complete recovery. 

How is the hospital keeping staff safe so they do not infect me? 

Hospital staff are well trained and experienced in managing infectious diseases. The hospital has provided universal masking, increased cleaning, increased supply of protective personal equipment (e.g., N-95 masks, gowns) and minimized staff who tend to both COVID and non- COVID patients. 

All hospital staff monitor their temperature daily. If they perceive potential COVID symptoms, they notify the hospital, self-isolate, and receive a test. They only return to work when cleared by hospital policy. 

What can I do to protect my safety at the hospital when I have a procedure? 

All elective procedure patients receive a COVID-19 test. Our staff will contact you to arrange a time for testing at the hospital once your procedure is scheduled. In most cases, testing will occur within 3-5 days in advance of the procedure. We recommend self-quarantine at home for 7 days prior to the procedure. 

What does “separating” COVID and non-COVID patients at the hospital mean? 
The hospital has developed separate care pathways in their emergency department, inpatient units, and outpatient services to minimize risk of exposure. This starts with screening prior to entry to the hospital. 

Potential COVID patients enter through a separate entrance; are isolated in bays, rooms or units designated for COVID care; and have as much of their care brought to them as possible. Their pathway through the hospital will be highly monitored and limited. 

For all other patients, this means you will not be waiting, receiving or recovering from care with a known, potential COVID patient next to you. Extra precautions will also be taken, such as having all patients and staff wear masks, frequently cleaning spaces, limiting visitors, and practicing social distancing.

Visiting the Hospital / Day of Procedure 

What happens when I visit the hospital? 

Everyone entering the hospital is screened for COVID-19 symptoms by answering a few questions and receiving a temperature check. You will be provided with a mask to wear inside the hospital.

Should I bring my own mask to the Hospital? 

You can bring your personal mask if you prefer. If not, you will be given a mask to wear upon entry to the Hospital and you’ll be asked to wear it while on site. 

Can a support person accompany me to the procedure? 

For the safety of our patients, staff and community, hospital entrances are limited and visitors are restricted. We recognize not having a support person nearby can be difficult, and you are encouraged to communicate through mobile devices when possible. 

What happens after my procedure is over? 

When ready after your procedure, a recovery nurse will help you prepare to return home. You will receive prescriptions for any necessary medication and written instructions to follow at home. Our staff will escort you to the entrance to be picked up by your family member or friend. 

How can I limit my time in the hospital? 

Please follow instructions for preparing for your scheduled care and arrive at the time requested. If you arrive early, you may be asked to wait outside the hospital or in your vehicle. 

Hospital staff will make every effort to be efficient before, during and after your care, including arranging prescreening by phone and post-care virtual visits. This will reduce your time in the hospital.

COVID-19 & Testing 

How can I protect myself from COVID-19? 

You should continue to take CDC recommended actions to protect yourself at all times, including washing your hands often with soap and water, social distancing and wearing a face covering in public spaces. 

If you have scheduled care at the hospital, we also recommend self-monitoring your temperature daily for up to 7 days before, as a majority of COVID patients become symptomatic 5 to 7 days after infection. 

If you are concerned that you may have symptoms but are not sure whether to call your physician or go to the emergency department, the hospital has a virtual COVID-19 screening tool on their website. 

What does it mean to be higher risk for complications due to COVID-19? 

Individuals with weaker heart or lung functions and/ or immune systems are potentially at higher risk for complications due to COVID-19. This includes those with certain preexisting conditions such as heart or lung disease, asthma, HIV or AIDs. Patients over 65 are more likely to have these conditions. 

Should I get tested for COVID-19? 

You should get tested if you have potential COVID-19 symptoms: a fever and cough or difficulty breathing. Please notify your physician and proceed to the hospital or testing center. 

You may also be asked to be tested before care at the hospital if you are higher risk for complications due to COVID-19. Your physician recommend a test and you will receive instructions on where to provide the specimen. This may be at the physician’s office, a commercial lab, or at the hospital. 

Does the hospital have COVID testing capabilities? 

Yes, the hospital has invested in testing capabilities. They partner with commercial labs for testing that can be done multiple days in advance. The hospital also has in-house, same-day testing for patients with emergent needs. This includes patients scheduled for surgery and whose physicians recommend a test. 

Why do I need to be tested for COVID-19 prior to my procedure? 

We are following state guidelines to ensure that patients can safely access care. Testing can happen multiple days in advance or on site for patients with emergent needs. 

Does the COVID-19 test need to be scheduled ahead of time and how do I schedule it? 

Yes. A member of our team will contact you to schedule your COVID-19 testing to be no sooner than 3 days before your scheduled procedure. At this point there is no ‘walk-in’ option for COVID-19 testing. 

How will I get the results of my COVID test and how soon will the results be available? 

The hospital staff will contact you as soon as we receive the results of your test. The results should be available no later than 48 hours after your test. You will receive a phone call with your results regardless of whether they are positive or negative. If your test results are not reported to the hospital by 3pm the day prior to your procedure we will notify you to reschedule your procedure when your results have been received and confirmed as negative. This excludes scheduled C-sections and inductions. 

What happens to my scheduled care if I may have COVID-19? 

The hospital will defer to your physician’s medical judgment. If your scheduled care is not urgent and your physician deems it appropriate to postpone the case, you will be contacted to reschedule the case for when you are better. 

If your case is urgent and your physician would like to proceed as planned, you will receive a COVID-19 test and the care team will proceed while using appropriate protective equipment and protocols.

Payment Plan Information 

Take Care of  your Health 

Do you or a family member have an upcoming procedure or is there a surgery you’ve been putting off? Your health shouldn’t have to wait, yet we understand that sometimes healthcare costs can burden a family’s budget causing patients to put off procedures. 
Let’s make it easier to get the safe, high-quality care you need. We offer convenient bill payment options to help you and your family with costs. 

Up to 36 Months to Pay. $25/Month Minimum Payment. 

Payment plans are available for most treatments and procedures. Unexpected or planned. Elective or required. 

No Fees or Interest 

Our Payment Plan Agreement option provides flexibility and affordability to pay the costs for your hospital visit: 

• Zero-interest and an APR of 0% for the life of the plan
• No application fees, membership fees or annual fees
• Monthly payments can be made online or you can choose to schedule recurring payments from your bank account or credit card for your convenience
• Ability to select payment day of the month*
• No fee for early payoff
• A cash down payment may be required at the time you sign a Payment Plan Agreement

Full details of the plan are provided in the Payment Plan Agreement. Get more information on Payment Plan Agreements.