Utilization Review
The medical records of every patient admitted to the hospital are reviewed routinely by utilization doctors and nurses in efforts to determine whether admission and continued hospitalization are necessary. This is done with frequent communication with your insurance company. Your insurance company will utilize this process to determine its continued payment for your hospital stay.

Many insurances require that the patient obtain pre-authorization before a scheduled admission or surgical procedure. You should review your policy to determine if this is necessary before entering the hospital.

Medicare beneficiaries are subject to the same type of reviews to determine medical necessity for continued hospital stay. If your records show that hospitalization is no longer indicated, and your physician agrees, you will be personally presented with a letter from the hospital indicating that you may be responsible for any additional changes as a result of continued hospitalization.

Valuables
The hospital will not be responsible for cash or other valuables. Therefore, please do not bring jewelry, credit cards, check books or cash in excess of $5 to the hospital. Upon admission you will be required to return such items to your home or place of residence. If you are unable to send your personal belongings home, the Admitting clerk will place these in the hospital safe upon admission.

We ask that no additional cash or valuables be brought to you during your stay. However, if items are brought to you, we ask that they be placed in the safe. Please tell your nurse so that your record of belongings can be revised.

If you desire to use your own walker or cane, please label it with your name. You will not need a personal wheelchair as the hospital will provide you with one during your stay if needed. We provide for your use protective containers that can be labeled with your name for your dentures, hearing aids and contact lenses. Please do not wrap these in tissues or place them on your metal tray, in your bed linen or under your pillow, as this could result in belongings being misplaced. The hospital will not be responsible for cash, valuables or personal belongings which are brought to the hospital.

You may be transferred from one nursing unit to another, so it is best to keep clothes and personal items to a minimum. You may wish to make arrangements to have additional clothing brought in to wear on the day of discharge.