Admissions and Discharge

Your doctor's office will notify you of your admission date and what time to arrive at the hospital. Your doctor also may schedule outpatient medical tests, such as laboratory tests or X-rays, before your hospitalization. These tests may be performed at the hospital or by your primary care physician and should take place within seven days of a surgical procedure.

If you are scheduled for a surgical procedure, your doctor will schedule an appointment for you with the Prepare Program, our anesthesia and surgical evaluation program. The Prepare Program will make sure you are ready for your procedure.

Special needs accommodations

If your hearing, speech or sight is impaired, or if you have any other disability, or if you require any special assistance, please let your provider, nurse or a member of the Patient Relations staff know. TTYs are available for hospitalized patients who need them.

Discharge

Your doctor will decide when you are ready to leave the hospital. Preparing for discharge can take time and require planning for transportation and further care. Our Case Management and Social Work Department can help you make those arrangements.

We recommend that you arrange to have a relative or friend drive you home. If that's not possible, we can provide a list of transportation options and let know which, if any, may be covered by your insurance.

If you need transportation by ambulance because of your medical condition, several ambulance services can assist you for a fee. Most insurance companies do not cover transport home in an ambulance. Contact our Case Management and Social Work Department for assistance in arranging medical transportation.

If you require nursing care, physical therapy or medical equipment at home, a case manager or social worker will help arrange it. The department can also arrange ongoing care at a skilled nursing or rehabilitation facility if needed. You may wish to visit several facilities before your admission to UCSF Medical Center. Our Case Management and Social Work staff can assist you with the process.

Discharge checklist

• Review written instructions from your doctor or nurse, and be sure to ask any questions you may have about medications, activities and diet after discharge.
• Make sure you have scheduled any follow-up appointments, treatments or care you may need.
• Make sure your doctor, primary nurse or the pharmacist on your floor calls in or faxes any prescriptions you may need to the pharmacy of your choice (UCSF Medical Center does not have an outpatient pharmacy.) Arrange for someone to pick them up so you have the medications you need when you get home.
• Double check that you've packed everything you brought with you, as well as anything you were given to take home.
• Remove any valuables you may have stored in the hospital's safe.

Your health insurance

Before scheduling your admission, your doctor's office will obtain approval from your insurance company. An admitting counselor will call you before your admission to review your insurance benefits. You will also be contacted if any payment is due at the time of your admission.

UCSF Medical Center will bill your insurance company directly. You will be billed for any part of your hospital fees not covered by your insurance company.