Preparing for your hospital visit

Overview: Preparing for a hospital visit—whether for an inpatient admission, outpatient procedure, or routine appointment—requires attention to both clinical and financial details. The overall cost of your visit typically includes procedure fees, facility fees, and possible additional charges for anesthesia, medications, diagnostic tests, and aftercare supplies. To avoid unexpected expenses, request an itemized estimate in advance, clarify what’s included in the quoted fee, and confirm your insurance coverage for all components of care.

Cost Breakdown

• Procedure Fee: Charges for the specific medical or surgical service performed.
• Facility Fee: Covers the use of the hospital or outpatient center (operating room, recovery area, equipment).
• Additional Charges: May include anesthesia, pathology, radiology, laboratory tests, medications, and take-home supplies.
• Physician Fees: Separate billing may occur for surgeons, anesthesiologists, or consulting specialists.

Insurance & Payment Advice

• Contact your insurer to confirm coverage, precertification requirements, and your share of costs (deductibles, copays, coinsurance).
• Ask for an itemized pre-procedure estimate from both the hospital and your physician’s office.
• Clarify if all services (lab, imaging, anesthesia) are in-network to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.
• Bring your insurance card and any required referral or authorization paperwork on the day of your visit.

Associated Costs & Considerations

• Post-procedure medications or durable medical equipment may incur additional costs.
• Follow-up visits, physical therapy, or home care are typically billed separately.
• Unexpected hospital stays or complications can increase total expenses.

Preparing for Your Visit: Practical Tips

• Confirm your arrival time and any pre-procedure fasting instructions with the hospital.
• Arrange reliable transportation home, especially if sedation or anesthesia is planned.
• Bring necessary insurance and health information, as well as any personal items you may need.
• Avoid bringing valuables or unnecessary personal belongings.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What costs are generally included in the hospital’s procedure fee? The hospital’s procedure fee usually covers the use of the facility, basic supplies, nursing care, and standard equipment needed for your procedure. Physician and anesthesia fees, as well as diagnostic tests, may be billed separately.
• Will I receive separate bills from different providers? It is common to receive separate bills from the hospital, your surgeon or physician, anesthesiologists, and any specialists involved in your care.
• How can I estimate my out-of-pocket costs before my hospital visit? Request a detailed, itemized estimate from both the hospital and your provider. Contact your health insurer to verify coverage and determine your responsibility for copays, coinsurance, and deductibles.
• Should I bring any documentation to my hospital visit? Yes, you should bring your insurance card, a photo ID, any required referral or preauthorization forms, and a list of current medications and allergies.
• Why is it important to arrange a ride home? Even routine outpatient procedures may involve sedation or anesthesia, which can impair your ability to drive safely. Hospitals typically require you to have a responsible adult available to take you home.
• What personal items should I bring with me? Bring only essential items such as your insurance information, ID, and necessary medications. Leave valuables and nonessential items at home to avoid loss or theft.
• What should I do if I receive an unexpected bill after my hospital visit? Contact the billing department for an explanation. Request an itemized bill and review it for errors. If needed, discuss payment plans or appeal denied insurance claims.
• Can I appeal an insurance denial for my procedure? Yes, you have the right to appeal insurance denials. Request a written explanation, gather supporting documentation, and follow your insurer’s appeal process.
• Are there options if I cannot afford to pay my hospital bill? Many hospitals offer financial assistance programs or payment plans. Contact the billing office as soon as possible to discuss your options.
• What if I have questions about anesthesia costs? Ask your care team or hospital billing office for the anesthesia provider’s contact information so you can request a separate estimate and confirm network status.

Before your hospital visit, confirm when you should arrive. Find out whether or not you’re allowed to eat or drink before your appointment. Also, make sure to arrange for someone to drive you home – even if you are having an outpatient or routine procedure.

What to bring

Insurance and health information, including:

• All insurance cards, including Medicare or Medicaid cards, if applicable
• A list of your current medications. If you are staying overnight, bring any medications you are currently taking, in the original bottle
• Employer information for worker’s compensation claims
• Information on the person responsible for the bill
• Automobile insurance card, if your visit is the result of an automobile accident
• Your health history, including past surgeries, hospitalizations and allergies
• Your doctor’s full name, address and phone number
• Preauthorization, referrals and/or any other information about why you are at the hospital
• A copy of your advance directive

Personal information, including:

• Photo identification (driver’s license, military or government-issued card)
• Birth certificate copy for minors
• Phone numbers, addresses and emergency contact information

Personal items, including:

• Hearing aids and extra batteries
• Assistive devices, such as a walker or a cane
• Shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, denture cup, comb or brush, shaver, lip balm and lotion
• Slippers and a robe
• A phone calling card if you think you’ll need to make long-distance calls
• Reading material, such as books and magazines

What not to bring

• Valuables, such as money, credit cards, jewelry (including body piercings), purse or wallet
• Cell phones
• Computers or video games
• Food (we cannot store food for you)