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Financial advisors understand the importance of having a plan for unexpected expenses. A hospital stay, whether planned or unplanned, can be very expensive – but the bills aren’t the only concern.
Just as with financial planning, a hospital visit is easier to manage if you prepare in advance and understand the process. These tips from hospital insiders will help you, your clients and their loved ones get better care:
1. If you expect to be hospitalized, have your personal items ready. If you have a hospital stay scheduled, pack a bag to bring with you. In addition to a change of clothes, bring a phone charger, toiletries, earplugs, and an updated list of your medications, including the dosage. For young patients, bringing their own blankets or pillows may help them feel more at home.
2. Take advantage of additional services available to you during your hospital stay. While you are in the hospital, ask what services are available to patients. Most hospitals have nutritionists, spiritual guides, and a variety of highly trained specialists (including respiratory, occupational, and physical therapists) on site who can visit your room upon request.
3. Take note of the visitor policies before inviting loved ones to visit. Every hospital has different visitor policies, and the policies often differ by department or unit. Visitors are typically only allowed during certain time periods. During the pandemic, visitation policies at many hospitals have become more restrictive.
4. Don’t be nervous if you are receiving treatment from a doctor in training. At teaching hospitals, it’s normal to be seen by a doctor in training, such as a resident or fellow. Rest assured, these individuals have completed medical school and received their MD or DO, and they have knowledge of the most cutting-edge treatments and services. Most importantly, your care is being overseen by an attending doctor who has completed their training.
5. Doctors typically do not know the cost of diagnostic tests, treatments, or medications. Many patients ask their doctor about the costs of services, but your doctor is unlikely to be able to answer this question. The cost of tests and treatments vary by hospital, and the amount you will be expected to pay out of pocket depends on your insurance plan. While a medication may only cost one person $10, it could cost ten times as much for someone with a less comprehensive insurance plan.
6. Expect to receive two separate hospital bills. Most physicians are not employed by hospitals. This means you will receive at least two bills after your hospital stay: one from the hospital and one (or more) from your provider(s). When possible, check with your health insurance company ahead of time to make sure you are covered for surgeries and potential emergencies.
7. Your anesthesiologist or NICU doctor might not take your insurance, even if the hospital does. Hospitals sometimes contract with groups of specialty physicians – like anesthesiologists in the operating room or neonatologists in the NICU – but don’t require these groups to accept all insurance plans accepted by the hospital. If you get a total hip replacement, you might receive a bill from the anesthesiologist that is not covered by your insurance, even though your insurance company is in network with both the hospital and your surgeon.
8. You can stay overnight in the hospital without being admitted. Many hospitals have “observation” beds where they keep patients who need monitoring, but not full inpatient care. This can get tricky for seniors; if you are sent to a nursing home for rehabilitation following your hospital stay, Medicare will only pay if you were admitted to the hospital. Observation doesn’t count.
9. To get things done, ask for the charge nurse or nurse manager. A charge nurse supervises a team of nurses and facilitates communication between other healthcare providers. Charge nurses typically have extensive experience. They can answer your questions and expedite your care.
10. You can request a private room. While hospitals cannot always accommodate this request, you have the right to ask for a private room.
11. Many hospitals have VIP floors. When celebrities are admitted to the hospital they are not on the same floor as other patients. Hospitals have VIP floors, and they are not always filled. Ask about them prior to admission.
12. Don’t assume that requesting an appointment with the chief of a hospital, department, division, or unit will get you better care. While the chief is likely a very reputable and experienced doctor, they may see fewer patients compared to their colleagues. A large part of a chief’s job is administrative and leadership, which limits the amount of time they dedicate to patient care.
13. Ask for undisturbed sleep time. Sleeping in a hospital can be difficult with the combination of bright lights, beeping machines, and medical professionals coming in and out of your room. While this request can’t always be accommodated, ask your clinicians to avoid coming into your room and disturbing you in the middle of the night.
14. Express gratitude to hospital staff. Doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff regularly work long, challenging shifts to care for patients. When patients are gracious and show appreciation for their hard work, it makes a difference.
15. Take notes during discharge. Leaving the hospital can be disorienting. You may have several next steps, including making appointments and taking medications. Even if you understand the instructions, it is a good idea to leave with a written discharge plan. Information often gets lost during transitions of care, and this can result in medical errors. It's helpful to have a friend, family member, or health advisor present to support you.
John Samuels is founder and CEO of Better Health Advisors, an independent healthcare advisory practice based out of New York City. John served as a senior healthcare leader in New York City’s top hospitals for over 20 years. He uses his extensive healthcare experience and wide network of medical professionals to achieve the best possible care for clients nationwide. He was recently honored by Forbes Magazine as one of the Next 1000 entrepreneurs and business leaders who are changing how businesses are run.
To learn more about what Better Health Advisors can do for you, your family, or your company, visit our website, email [email protected], or call (646) 883-9717.
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Advisor Perspectives welcomes guest contributions. The views presented here do not necessarily represent those of Advisor Perspectives.
