Questions about inpatient treatment at Friends Hospital

Questions about Inpatient Treatment
Here are some frequently asked questions that patients and their families have before coming to Friends Hospital.

Q: What will happen when I arrive at Friends Hospital?	A: When you and a family member enter the hospital on the day of your admission, a receptionist will greet you and direct you to the admissions area. The process begins with an evaluation by a medical team in the Crisis Response or Admissions and Evaluation Center. At the same time, our finance staff will be verifying the patient’s insurance benefits. If not previously pre-certified, the information obtained on evaluation will then be presented to the patient’s insurance company for approval of admission to a Friends Hospital program. Patients are also asked to sign various forms. These include admissions papers, consents to treat, and consents to release information. This is also an excellent time to review the written material about the program that the patient is entering. After approval has been obtained from the insurance company, the patient will be escorted to the unit. Feel free to ask questions and express your concerns during the admissions process. A Note About Insurance Health insurance gives an individual a specified benefit for hospitalization. Even though you have that benefit, we must obtain permission from the insurance company to admit a patient into our programs.
Q: What can I bring with me?	A: Bring a few changes of everyday clothing, toiletries, clock or radio. It is not wise to bring valuables with you. You will not have much use for cash, except for incidentals such as phone calls. Bring all medications you are currently taking so your psychiatrist can evaluate them. The hospital will return these to your family member, and arrange continued treatment through our pharmacy.
Q: Where will I live?	A: You will have your own bedroom on one of the inpatient units. You will find that these units are very attractive and comfortable, furnished with upholstered sofas and chairs. There is ample space for you to relax, pursue activities, or visit. Most patients share a bathroom with one other person, although supportive care rooms have individual bathrooms. Each unit also has a small snack kitchen for your convenience.
Q: What will my day be like?	A: Throughout the day, you will be attending a number of therapy groups and participating in activities to assist in working through your problems. You will see your psychiatrist daily.
Q: When can my family and friends visit?	A: If you desire, you can have visitors beginning on the day of admission. General visiting hours are different on each unit. You will be advised of the times during admission. Your psychiatrist may limit your visitors if it is in your best interest. Children are welcome to visit.
Q: Will I be restricted to my unit?	A: For patient safety, all units at Friends Hospital are locked. There is an outdoor area to use for scheduled breaks.
Q: Will I have a telephone?	A: Patient rooms do not have telephones. However, there is a phone on each unit designated for patients use where you may receive calls. Be sure to tell your friends and family the number of the patient phone on your unit. You may make outgoing calls on a pay phone either on the unit or in the lobby near each unit.
Q: When can I go home?	A: Duration of stay varies based on individual needs and cannot be accurately predicted when you are admitted. Talk with your psychiatrist about the discharge plan. We find that good discharge planning decreases the risk that you will continue to experience the same difficulties that brought you to Friends Hospital.
Q: Will someone keep my family informed of my progress?	A: With your consent, a member of your immediate family is welcome to call your psychiatrist or members of the nursing staff to ask questions abut your treatment program and progress. If deemed appropriate, family members may be contacted to participate in a family therapy session.
Q: How much and when will I be expected to pay for my treatment?	A: Part of your admission will involve discussion of your insurance, specifically your psychiatric hospitalization benefits. At that time a staff member will talk with you about what you will be required to pay, if anything, under your insurance policy. Be sure to bring a picture ID and your insurance cards when you come to the hospital. Any co-payments or deductibles are requested at the time of admission. You are welcome to call the Financial Services Office prior to admission if you have questions about this. The number is 215-831-6935.
Q: What will happen to me after I leave the Hospital?	A: A stay at Friends Hospital is only one segment of the treatment you are likely to receive for your illness. When you leave the hospital, you will be referred for continued professional care, most often visits to your psychiatrist or other clinician who referred you to the hospital. If you were not seeing someone in the community before you came to Friends, you will be referred to an appropriate professional or agency for follow-up care.