Patient admission

Common questions about admission

From making sure your health insurance is up to date to finding someone to feed your goldfish, there are a lot of details to iron out before you come to the hospital. The following questions and answers should give you the information you need to plan for Admitting staff.

Where do I check in?
There are several Admitting locations. Where you are admitted depends on why you are coming to the hospital. Please follow your doctor's admission/check-in instructions.

Main Admitting Office
The hospital's main Admitting Office is located at 20 York Street on the first floor of the hospital's East Pavilion. Enter through the main entrance of the hospital and follow the sign for the East Pavilion elevators. The Admitting Office is across from the elevators. The office is open 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The phone number is (203) 688-2221.

Children's Hospital Admitting Office
The Children's Hospital Admitting Office is located at 1 Park Street on the first floor of the hospital's West Pavilion. Enter through the Children's Hospital (West Pavilion) and look for a large fish tank on your right. An admitting associate will greet you and direct you to the appropriate department. The Children's Hospital Admitting office is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The phone number is (203) 688-3331.

Diagnostic Imaging
Some patients are admitted to Diagnostic Imaging, located on the second floor of the hospital's East Pavilion. Enter through the York Street entrance and follow the sign for the East Pavilion elevators. Take the elevator to the second floor and look for signs for Diagnostic Imaging.

Maternity Admissions
Maternity patients arriving between midnight and 6 a.m. should enter the hospital via the Children's Emergency entrance on Howard Avenue. Otherwise, maternity patients should follow the instructions they received during their hospital tour and pre-registration.

What happens after I arrive at the hospital?
If you are a coming to the hospital for a scheduled surgery or procedure, an admitting associate will greet you at the Admitting Office and direct you to the Operating Room reception area on the third floor of the East Pavilion. Once checked-in, you will be in the hands of the hospital's very skilled and capable clinical staff.

• Before your surgery/procedure you will be given a hospital gown to wear and a garment bag for your street clothes.
• Your blood pressure and temperature will be taken.
• You will meet the anesthesiologist who will be caring for you during your surgery.
• Your family or friends can stay with you until you leave for surgery. During your surgery, they can wait in the operating room waiting area located on the third floor of the South Pavilion. A waiting room attendant will be there to answer any questions they may have.

What should I bring?
Don't bring any valuables with you, such as rings and other jewelry, credit cards, checkbooks or large amounts of cash. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring a case for their safekeeping.

If you are staying overnight, the hospital will provide you with a hospital gown, warm socks/slippers and personal hygiene items including toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion and powder.

If you will be staying in the hospital for a long period of time, you may want a family member or friend to bring you your own sleepwear and robe, slippers, makeup and other items that will help make you feel at home and comfortable.

Also see: Preparing for an inpatient admission

How do I get to the hospital?
See "Parking & directions".

Where do I park?
See "Parking & directions".

How do I pay for this?
See "Financial arrangements and billing."

What are living wills and health care proxies?
Health care proxies and living wills are legal documents that describe your wishes about the type of medical care you would want to receive if you were unable to make those decisions for yourself. They also allow you to appoint someone you trust to make medical decisions for you. It is always a good idea to discuss your wishes or concerns with your family and physician prior to your hospitalization. For additional information and forms, please call the admitting office, (203) 688-2221.

What if I have special needs?
Patient account representatives can help arrange hearing impairment or interpreter services for patients who need them. They can also help transplant and international patients prepare for their hospital visits.

Who do I call for more information?
See "Important phone numbers."

Next: Financial arrangements and billing

Last revised: June 28, 2005 (LMc)

Home page URL: http://www.ynhh.org

All information is intended for your general knowledge and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen.