Patient Information
A surgical procedure can often be an uneasy experience. While the staff at Sterling Surgical strives to make the process as pleasant and comfortable as possible, there are steps that you can take to make the most of your visit.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Before You Arrive
Registration
Our dedicated registration staff, under the direction of our Patient Navigator, will contact you before your procedure to discuss benefit verification and potential co-pay estimates. If you have not been contacted within 2-3 days before your procedure, you may call our Registration department at (985) 690-8200 with any questions or concerns.
If you have an advance directive, living will or health proxy completed, please bring these documents with you to the hospital. If you do not have one, information is available upon request at the time of your admission.
Confidential Information
We are committed to confidentiality concerning personal and medical information which we will need in order to provide you with the best health care possible. If you have special needs for confidentiality, please let our staff know as soon as possible.
Our Medical Records department will require your authorization for release of any medical records, except in the case of transfer to another health care facility, or as required by law or third party payment contract.
During Your Stay
No Smoking Policy
Sterling Surgical Hospital is a smoke free campus. Among many healthcare and other public facilities in our community, we feel the prohibition of smoking on our campus is in the best interest of our patients, children, visitors, and staff members. We hope that you and your guests appreciate our decision to create a healthier environment for all and recognize the significance in your compliance with our campus policy. Smoking is prohibited anywhere on our property or any properties directly adjacent to our campus.
Valuables
Remember that our hospital has many patients and we cannot be responsible for items left unattended in the lobby area or items kept in the patient rooms. Please do not bring money, credit cards, jewelry, and valued personal items to the hospital. Please keep eyeglasses, contact lenses and dentures in protected containers when not in use.
Meals
Patients staying overnight are served breakfast, lunch and dinner. Please tell us if you have any food allergies or special dietary needs. If these options don’t appeal to you, our receptionist can provide information about restaurants near the hospital.
Communications
Each patient room is equipped with a communication system that you can use to contact the nurses’ station. Local phone calls can be made by dialing "9" and the local number. Family and friends may dial into to patient rooms by dialing the front desk line at 985.690.8200 and asking for the patient’s room.
Mail and Flowers
Mail, flowers, or packages will be delivered to patient rooms. Deliveries after discharge will be forwarded to the patient's home.
Visitors
We have an open visitation policy, which means that visitors are welcome at any time. If someone is staying at the hospital while you are having an out-patient procedure, we will update them along the way so they are informed on your progress. If your procedure requires an overnight stay, each room is furnished to allow one family member or friend (16 years of age or older) to spend the night with you. Patient rooms are private and spacious, with sleeper sofas available for guest sleeping. If you don’t feel up to having visitors, tell the staff and we will limit the number of visitors and the time they are allowed to visit.
Problems/Concerns/Special Services
Sterling Surgical Hospital strives for excellence in all areas, and provides ways for addressing any problems or concerns which will help us improve our services. A patient satisfaction survey will be given to you upon discharge. Please help us to improve our services by completing this survey and returning it to us. If the issue is of an urgent nature, we encourage you to call the Administrative office at (985) 690-8200. For other concerns during your stay, you may contact any staff member for assistance. Social Services are also available.
Leaving For Home
Patients are discharged upon a written order from their physician. In most cases, all necessary information will be obtained and all financial arrangements will be completed prior to the time of discharge. Home instructions and any prescriptions which have been ordered will be provided at this time.
Charges
Sterling Surgical Hospital’s charges are based on our operating expenses and prevailing rates for similar services in our community. Our goal is to provide the highest quality health care at the lowest reasonable cost. Daily hospital charges cover room, routine care, bedside meals and housekeeping. Ancillary charges such as pharmacy, lab, radiology, etc. are billed as additional costs. An itemized list of these charges is available upon request. Physician, anesthesiologist, private nurse and other consultant fees will be billed separately. For more information regarding any fees and/or hospital bills, please call the Business office at (985) 690-8226.