ADMISSION /
PRE-REGISTRATION
All admissions, other than emergency, must register at the front desk between 8:00 a.m.
and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.With advance knowledge of your need to enter the hospital (such as elective
surgery or maternity), you may pre-register with the front office of the hospital. Often,
there will be tests that your physician has requested, and they may be done at this
pre-registration time. Authorizations and pre-certifications from your insurance company
will also be completed during pre-registration to ensure that you receive the maximum
benefits to which you are entitled.
Please bring pertinent insurance information with
you, or have a family member bring it as soon after your registration as possible.
The information requested by admitting personnel
is important to your treatment and much of it is required by law. Your hospital record is
confidential and for the use of hospital staff on a need-to-know basis only.
PLANNING FOR YOUR HOSPITAL STAY
Please do not bring excessive money, jewelry or personal valuables to the hospital.
Wrangell Medical Center is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Bring only necessary personal items for your
stay. Everything you will need is provided by the hospital; however, you are welcome to
bring your own bathrobe, slippers and gown.
Expectant mothers are reminded to include infant
clothing and a safe car seat for the new baby's trip home. Ask us about our "Loving
Care" Car Seat Program.
At the time of your admission identify any pills
or medication along with the dosage and prescribing physician. Please, however, leave
the medication at home or plan to have it sent home after your nurse or physician has seen
it.
ROOMS
Assignment of rooms is based on availability at the time of your admission and your
diagnosis.
Rooms are furnished with an adjustable bed,
television and telephone for local use. The admitting nursing staff will familiarize you
with the operation of all the equipment.
SMOKING
In order to provide a smoke-free workplace, smoking is
allowed in designated areas only. Employees may smoke during his/her break
times and meal periods only. Designated areas include the ambulance bay
area, outdoors, and maintenance office in supply building. Please refrain
from smoking directly in front of the entry/exit doors, as it may impact
patients reporting for care to WMC. Smoking is not allowed in WMC vehicles.
Containers will be provided for the extinguishing and disposal of smoking
materials.
The door to the maintenance room is on a spring
closure. This door is to remain closed, in order to keep it separate from
the receiving area. No flammable materials are kept in this area. The fan in
the maintenance room must be turned on when smoking
VISITING HOURS
Visitors are encouraged, but they are asked to check with the nursing staff prior to
entering the room. Special arrangements may be made to restrict visitors and phone calls
based on patient and family needs.
MEALS
Food is an important part of your health care. The Dietary Department will visit you to
discuss your diet while in the hospital.
DISCHARGE PLANNING
You will have a health care team (which may include your physician, nursing staff, social
services or others, as necessary) to work with you to plan your discharge and make your
transition from the hospital to your next environment as comfortable as possible. The team
will review with you pertinent information and community resources that may help with
your post-hospital needs.
BILLING
Questions on billing may be directed to the billing office at any time--before, during, or
after your stay. The office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, Monday through Saturday.
YOUR PATIENT RIGHTS
At Wrangell Medical Center you have the right to:
 | considerate and respectful care. |
| information about your illness, possible treatments,
and likely outcome including the right to discuss this information with your physician.
You have the right to know the names and the roles of the people treating you. |
| consent or refuse treatment throughout your hospital
stay, as permitted by law. If you refuse a recommended treatment, you will receive other
needed and available care. |
| advance directives, such as a living will or health
care proxy. These documents express your choices about your future care or allow you to
name someone who will make choices on your behalf if you cannot speak for yourself. If you
have a written advance directive, you should provide copies to the hospital, your family
and your doctor. |
| privacy. The hospital, your doctor and others caring
for you will protect your privacy as much as possible. |
| confidentiality of your treatment records unless you
have given permission to release information, or reporting is required or permitted by
law. When the hospital releases records to others, such as insurers, it emphasizes that
the records are confidential. |
| review your medical records and to have the
information explained, except when restricted by law. |
| expect that the hospital will give you necessary
health services to the best of its ability. Treatment, referral or transfer may be
recommended or requested; you will be informed of risks, benefits and alternatives. You
will not be transferred until the other institution agrees to accept you. |
| know if Wrangell Medical Center has relationships
with outside parties that may influence your treatment and care. These relationships may
be with educational institutions, other health care providers or insurers. |
| consent or decline to take part in research
affecting your care. If you choose not to take part, you will receive the most effective
care the hospital otherwise provides. |
| be told of realistic care alternatives when hospital
care is no longer appropriate. |
| know about hospital rules that affect you and your
treatment and about charges and payment methods. You have the right to know about hospital
resources, such as patient representatives or ethics committees, that can help you resolve
problems and questions about your hospital stay and care. |
YOUR PATIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
You are responsible for:
| providing information about your health, including
past illnesses, hospital stays and use of medicine. |
| asking questions when you do not understand
information or instructions. |
| telling your doctor if you believe you can't follow
through with your treatment. |
| Providing information for insurance and for working
with the hospital to arrange payment, when needed. |
| being considerate of the needs of other patients,
staff and the hospital. |
| recognizing the effect of life-style on your
personal health. |
A hospital serves many purposes: to improve
people's health; treat people with injury or disease; educate doctors, health
professionals, patients, and community members; and improve understanding of health and
disease. In carrying out these activities, Wrangell Medical Center works to respect your
values and dignity. |
