Patient Information

ADMITTING & REGISTRATION

Advance Directives

The Patient Self-Determination Act of 1990 requires hospitals to ask all inpatients (age 18 and over) if they have written Advance Directives, either a Living Will or a Durable Power of Attorney. These legally valid documents provide written instructions expressing a person's choice about life-sustaining treatments, or designating someone else to make health care decisions when the patient cannot. Adults (18 and over) can complete these forms prior to any need for medical care and have them kept in their medical record. WRH Health System provides these forms, and the necessary notary services, free of charge.

Clergy

During registration, patients may designate their religious affiliation. Clergy may visit their church members during the regularly scheduled visiting hours, or at any other time at the patient/family's request. The nursing staff will arrange for a chaplain to visit at the patient/family's request. An interfaith chapel, located across from the Special Care Unit, is provided for patients, clergy, family, and friends.

Confidentiality and Privacy

While being admitted to the hospital, you will be asked to furnish certain information for completion of your medical records or financial arrangements. We are committed to maintaining the privacy of our patients' personal health information and our Notice of Privacy Practices was given to you when you were admitted. You can be assured that your privacy will be respected and your information will be handled appropriately.

Facility Directory

Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital maintains a facility directory, which includes each patient's name, room number, and general condition. Anyone who asks for a patient by name will be provided the information in the directory. (The directory may include religious preference but only clergy will be told of religious preference. Members of the clergy do not have to ask for a patient by name.)

Patients have the right to request to be excluded from the facility directory. Patients who request a restriction must complete and sign a "Request for Restrictions" form. The completed and signed Request for Restrictions form will become a permanent part of the patient's medical record and may be the standard used for that patient for all future hospitalizations unless the patient submits a new Request for Restrictions form.

Permission for Treatment

The patient, the individual with power of attorney, or the legal guardian must sign a document giving permission for treatment and/or surgery. Permission for minors must be given in person by the parent(s) or legal guardian, or given via a telephone call to the parent(s) or legal guardian, which must be witnessed by two hospital employees.

Personal Needs

When you are admitted, you will receive an admissions kit containing toiletries and other items for use during your stay. You will not need other personal items unless you desire your own toiletries, sleepwear, robe, or slippers. Personal electrical appliances, such as hair dryers, razors, or radios, are not permitted for use in patient care areas according to Life Safety Code, NFPA101. Cordless electric razors and battery operated radios are permitted.

Valuables

We ask that you do not have valuables such as jewelry or large amounts of money with you during your stay. Whenever possible, valuables should be sent home. If that is not possible, please contact our Admitting office, extension 1054, to store your valuables in our safe.

DURING YOUR STAY

Cellular Phones

Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital permits the use of cell phones in most areas of the hospital. Patients, visitors and guests are asked to silence their phones while on the hospital campus and to turn off their phones in the restricted areas, as posted signs designate.

Fire Drills

Emergency testing and drills are held periodically and without advance notice. Your cooperation is appreciated during these drills. During a fire drill, some or all of the following may occur:

• A loud alarm will sound for one minute
• Fire and smoke barrier doors will close
• The door to your room will be closed by hospital personnel.

In the event of an actual fire, hospital personnel will provide instructions for any emergency actions you may need to take.

Food Service

Each afternoon you will receive a menu to choose your meals for the following day and staff is available to assist you upon request. Our Nutrition Services Department makes every effort to serve attractive, flavorful, and nutritious meals within the guidelines of your physician's orders and your food preferences. Our Clinical Dietitian may also guide your nutritional needs and is also available to assist you in planning your post-discharge diet.

Lost & Found

If you have lost a possession, notify your nurse. If you find a lost item, turn it in to a hospital employee.

Mail & Flowers

Our Red Cross Volunteers will deliver your mail and flowers to you every day except Sunday. If you are discharged, your mail and flowers will be forwarded to your home. If you wish to send mail, stamps are available in our hospital gift shop.

Notary Services

The services of a Notary Public are available free of charge for patient use, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact our Security Department, extension 1643, to arrange for notary services.  Security should only be called to do this at night and/or on weekends.

Patient Phone Number

Each inpatient room has a direct-dial phone number, which is posted near the phone. Patients may give their direct dial phone number to callers of their choice. To protect patients' privacy, the switchboard operator will not give out the direct-dial phone number.

Patient Safety

We place a high priority on promotion of safety and prevention of injury. Your well being is our primary concern. However, despite our best efforts, medical errors can happen. They can happen when something doesn't work out as planned or when the plan wasn't the best in the first place. Most errors result from problems created by today's complex health care system. They can also happen when doctors and their patients have trouble communicating. What can you do? Be involved in your health care!

The single most important way you can help to prevent errors is to be an active member of your health care team. You can also have a family member or friend be an advocate for you. See the information below and - above all - speak up if you have any questions or concerns!

Ask Questions

There may be a number of people involved in your care. Feel free to ask questions about your care and to express your preferences and concerns. You may want to bring a family member, friend or caregiver with you during your admission. A friend can put you more at ease, remind you to ask certain questions and help you recall special instructions later on.

Staff Identification

All Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital employees and volunteers wear name badges that identify their names and departments. If an employee or volunteer is NOT wearing a name badge, please ask him or her to put it on, or ask for another staff person.

Patient Identification

The patient identification bracelet (ID band) you receive on admission is important for many reasons. This band has your medical record number on it and is how you are identified at Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital. Do not let anyone give you medications, tests or procedures without checking your ID band every time.

Describing Symptoms

A physical examination, evaluation and medical tests provide valuable information about your condition, but your description of symptoms is key in your diagnosis and treatment. When asked about your symptoms, try to identify when the symptoms started, what time of day they occur, how long they last, how often they occur, and if they are getting better or worse. The more details you can give us, the better.

Pain Management

We want you to be as comfortable as possible. Although it may not be possible to eliminate all pain, there are methods to reduce pain to tolerable levels. Please let us know when you are having pain. You will be asked to rate your pain on a scale of 0 - 10, with 0 being no pain and 10 being severe pain. Reporting pain as a number helps the doctors and nurses know how well your treatment is working and whether changes should be made.

Preventing Falls

Patients who are at risk for falling will be identified with a green wrist (ID) bracelet. Bedside rails, alarms and "gerichairs" may be used to provide safety and preserve patient dignity. Fall prevention restraints will be used only as a last resort. To reduce your risk for falling, please follow the suggestions below:

• Wear slippers or shoes with nonskid soles. Hospital floors can be slippery. Get up slowly.
• Sit on the edge of your bed for a few minutes. If you feel dizzy or weak, put on your call light. Be sure you know how to use your call light. Try it while the nurse is in the room to be sure.
• Notify the nursing staff of a spill on the floor.
• Your hospital bed is probably higher and narrower than your bed at home. When needed, call for help getting into or out of bed. If the side rails are up don't try to climb over or between them. Use your call light to get help.
• If you have an IV line, use your call light to get help moving with your IV.
• Don't try to use furniture for support.
• There is a call light at your bed and in the bathroom. Use the call light to get help.
• Leave the bathroom light on at night so you can see if you must get up.
• Wheelchairs tip easily. Please ask for assistance when getting into or out of one.
• Keep items within easy reach. Ask your nurse or someone else to place your call light, glasses, or other needed items where you can easily get to them.
• Don't wait until the last minute to go to the bathroom. Get up slowly and ask for help if needed. Make sure the light is on if it's dark.
• Families of a patient at high risk for a fall should notify the nursing staff when they leave the patient's room.

If You Are Having Surgery

Make sure you understand what will happen if you are having surgery. You, your doctor and surgeon should agree on exactly what will be done during the operation. Tell the surgeon, anesthesiologist and nurses if you have allergies or have ever had a bad reaction to anesthesia.

Some questions to ask the surgeon:

• Who will take charge of my care while I'm in the hospital?
• Exactly what will you be doing?
• About how long will it take?
• What will happen after the surgery?
• How can I expect to feel during recovery?

Medications

Your doctor, nurse and pharmacist have major roles in medication safety while you are in the hospital. They select the medication that's best for you, prescribe the correct dose, dispense the medication correctly and label it clearly. They also check to see that it's working and monitor you for side effects. For your protection, we have a system of checks and balances in place. Each medication order is checked and double-checked by pharmacy and nursing staff.

You play an important part in safely managing your medications. As a patient or family member, your role is key. You share the responsibility for safe medication use. You owe it to yourself and your family to learn as much as you can about the medications you are taking.

When you are admitted to the hospital bring a list of the medications you are taking, including dose and how often you take them; include over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal products. If you don't have time to make a list, bring the medications. Keep them in their original container. After the names of your medications are written down, have your family take them home.

• Keep a list of medications that you cannot take and the reasons why (e.g. allergic reactions) and provide this list to your healthcare providers.
• Communicate the way you take your medications, especially if different from how they were prescribed.
• Whenever a new medication is prescribed, ask questions and if you don't understand the answers, ask again.
• Before any test or procedure, ask if it will require any dyes or medicines and remind your nurse and doctor if you have allergies.
• When a nurse gives you a medication or intravenous (IV) solution, ask what it is for. If you think a medication is not given on time, let your nurse know. If you receive a medication that looks different than it usually does, be sure to question your nurse or other healthcare team member.

Test Results

• Make sure you get the results of all tests and procedures.
• Ask the doctor or nurse when and how you will get the results.
• Don't assume the results are okay. If you don't hear anything, call the doctor and ask questions.

Medications at Discharge

• Learn the name of each medication that is prescribed for you, why you are taking it, the dosage and the schedule of how you are to take it.
• Ask if you should avoid any foods, beverages, other medications or activities.
• Review your discharge instruction sheet and question anything that is unclear or confusing.
• Repeat the instructions back to the nurse, doctor or pharmacist. This is a good way to verify that you understand it correctly.
• Read the label, including warnings. Make sure it's the medication your doctor ordered.
• Request any written information available on the medication.
• Some medications react with alcohol. If you drink alcohol, be sure to check with your nurse, doctor or pharmacist whether it is safe to do so.
• Report any reactions, side effects or allergies to your healthcare provider.
• Keep a list of all medications you take and take them with you to your doctor.
• Make sure that each of your doctors is aware of medications that other doctors have prescribed for you.
• Question anything that does not seem right. Be alert to unexpected changes. If you get a prescription refill that seems to have a different strength or appearance, ask questions!
• If you're having problems with a medication, call your doctor.

This information should not be considered specific medical advice and is not meant to replace professional medical service. Always contact your personal physician for medical advice or direction.

Reading Materials

Newspapers are available for purchase in vending machines inside the hospital's main entrance.

Magazines can be found in most waiting areas and in the solariums on each floor. Magazines may also be purchased in the Gift Shop.

Smoking Regulations

As a health care facility, we feel it is important to promote good health practices. Therefore, this is a smoke-free facility. No smoking is permitted in any area of the hospital or the medical office building. In addition, as required by "Smoke Free Ohio," smoking is not permitted near building doorways or entrances. Currently, there are two designated smoking areas on campus. One can be reached from the hospital’s main entrance and the other from the Emergency Department.

Social Services

Our Social Services Department provides assistance for patients with post-discharge care needs such as home nursing services, placement assistance (extended care, rehabilitation, assisted living, or respite care), and medical equipment/supplies. Social Services also provides crisis counseling to patients and their families, referrals for legal or financial aid, and community resource information and referrals.

Television & Telephone

Your cable television and local telephone calls are free of charge. A television channel guide is located in your bedside table.

Instructions to assist you in placing telephone calls are listed below. Please note: All long distance calls must be collect, third party, or credit card calls. We are unable to bill your room for long distance calls. A long distance operator will assist you to arrange payment for toll calls at the time of placement.

To place a local call:

*dial 9

*dial the area code

*dial your call

To place a long distance call:

When following the instructions below, please remember: After you dial 9 and receive a dial tone, DO NOT pause between numbers as you dial.

*dial 9

*dial 0, the area code, and the phone number you are calling

Translators

Translators are available to assist patients and their families. Contact the nursing staff if a translator's services are needed.

FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS

Hospital Bill

We accept all insurances including Medicare and Medicaid. We ask that you bring your insurance cards with you so that we may bill your insurance company properly.

While we handle the insurance billing for your hospital bills, it is important to note that the patient is responsible for notifying his/her insurance company (and obtaining referrals and precertification, if necessary) of any upcoming procedures, surgeries or hospital admissions. The patient is also ultimately responsible for any bills incurred and will receive a statement for any balance due.

Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital is a member of most insurance networks. If, however, the hospital is not a member of your insurance network, your insurance company may charge an additional deductible or a higher co-insurance rate. These additional charges are the patient's responsibility.

Payment may be made with cash, check, Visa, Discover, or Mastercard. You may also contact our Patient Accounting Department to establish financial contractual payment arrangements with a minimum payment of $25.00 and a maximum duration of 36 months. If your income is at or below 120% of the federal poverty guidelines, you may call extension 1551 or 1064 to apply for assistance with your hospital bill.

Physician's Fees for Ancillary Services

The fee of your personal physician or the Emergency Center physician, is not included in your hospital bill. In addition, should your physician request the services of a Anesthesiologist, Pathologist, Radiologist, a consultant, or other physician, you will be billed separately by each.

Patient Price Information

In compliance with state law, Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital provides a price list containing our charges for room and board, emergency department, operating room, delivery, physical therapy and other procedures. The hospital's charges are the same for all patients, but a patient's responsibility may vary, depending on payment plans negotiated with individual health insurers. Uninsured or underinsured patients should consult with our admitting and billing staff to determine whether they qualify for discounts. These prices are correct as of 11/27/06.

Patient Price Information List
Billing Policy

GOING HOME

Home-going Instructions

On the day of discharge there are many steps in the process. We may need to wait for test results, consulting physicians, medications or further instructions. Therefore, we request that you do not call for your ride until instructed to do so by your nurse so that we may avoid any inconvenience to your family caused by an unnecessary wait. Also, prior to your discharge, you will receive written home-going instructions for your continued recovery. Please be sure that you understand all the instructions given and that you ask any questions you may have. It is necessary, for your continued recovery, that you understand and follow your home-going instructions.

Home Care

Home Care makes it possible for patients to have their skilled health care needs met at home.

Medicare-certified and accredited by JC, the Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital Home Care Department provides numerous services, including: skilled nursing, home health aide, medical social work, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and IV therapy. Plus, a registered nurse is on call 24-hours a day. For information about Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital Home Care, call extension 2785.

Lost & Found

If you discover you have lost a possession, you should contact the Risk Management office, 330-331-1641, to see if it has been turned in.

Patient Surveys

Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital cares about you and your opinions. Patients may receive a survey in the mail. We would appreciate it if you would provide us with your comments by filling out the survey and mailing it back. It is postage-paid. If you would like to receive a survey, please give your name and address to your nurse who will contact the Marketing Communication Department with that information so a survey will be sent to you.

VRI Lifeline

The VRI Lifeline Personal Response System, for those who live alone or spend long periods of time alone, works via a home monitor hooked to the telephone line and activated by a transmitter. For more information, call 330-334-2792.