About Your Stay
Learn What to expect
At Dunn Memorial Hospital we want your stay to be as comfortable as possible. We want to provide our patients with as much of the comforts of home as we can, while delivering the care you deserve. Please choose a tab for more information on your visit to Lawrence County’s community hospital.
Admissions Policy to Dunn Memorial
Your admittance to Dunn Memorial Hospital was requested by your physician. In order to complete the medical forms required for all patients, many questions were asked you by Patient Registration team members. This information and any other information about your personal affairs or medical condition will be held in strictest confidence by Dunn Memorial.
In order for Dunn to release information about you as a patient...whether you are registered as a patient, your room number, phone number, etc., you must have signed an authorization for this release at the time of your admittance. It is the policy of Dunn Memorial Hospital to treat all patients without regard to race, color, national origin or religious creed. There is no distinction in eligibility for, or in the manner of providing, patient service provided by or through Dunn Memorial. You, as a patient should expect considerate and respectful care at all times from our hospital staff. You should expect and should receive complete information from your physician concerning your diagnosis, treatment and prospects for recovery, and, upon his prescription, you should receive from your physician any information necessary for you to give informed consent prior to the start of any treatment or procedure. When required, consent forms must be signed by each patient or his/her legal guardian before treatment or procedures may begin. You, as a patient, may refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law, as long as you are informed about the medical consequences of your actions. Upon request, you will receive a full explanation of your bill regardless of the source of payment, and you will be informed of all the rights of a patient that apply to you as a patient at Dunn Memorial.
Questions And Answers About Your Stay
- Q. Why is insurance information important?
- A. Certain insurance carriers require medical care be approved in advance (pre-certified). If your policy requires pre-certification please inform your physician. He/she will coordinate these efforts with the hospital to ensure you receive the maximum benefit allowed by your insurance plan. Please bring your health insurance card, referral forms, and any other paperwork provided to you with you to the hospital. Relevant insurance information you need to know includes the insurance company’s name, address, and policy number, deductible and co-payment amounts.
- Q. What personal articles do I need?
- A. While you are hospitalized, you will need toilet articles, own or pajamas, robe and slippers. Mechanical personal grooming items brought to the hospital should be battery operated. If electrically powered, they must pass inspection by the director of Plant Operations.
- Q. Where may I leave my valuables?
- A. All valuables such as large amounts of money, jewelry, credit cards, etc. should be sent home. If this is not possible, please give them to a family member or check them with Patient Registration. When not in use, eyeglasses, dentures, hearing aids, etc., should be placed in protective containers and kept in the drawer of your bedside table.
Dunn Memorial Hospital is not responsible for loss or damage to your personal items.
Case Management at Dunn Memorial
The following is a quick reference for patients and families regarding an important support service available to you. For more information call Dunn Memorial’s Case Management at (812) 276-1303.
What is a Dunn Memorial Case Manager?
Case Managers are professionals with credentials (certification) that become actively involved in your treatment and recovery process. They evaluate all the information related to your condition as well as treatment, and work with your physician, other care providers, and family to promote the best possible outcome.
- Our Case Managers communicate regularly with your care team to promote a positive course of action, thereby preventing complications that can increase your recovery time and increase costs.
- Case Managers are available to support your changing needs, from pre-certification and benefit questions, to information and education about your acute illness or ongoing condition.
- Case Managers are assigned to specific patient groups. They are available to act as your advocate and educator to ensure you are an informed consumer in care decisions.
- Case Managers shall not disclose to, or discuss your confidential information with any other person or entity, inside or outside of Dunn Memorial, until a signed consent authorization form is obtained.
How Can A Dunn Memorial Case Manager Help Me?
- They work with you to help reduce symptoms associated with chronic disease.
- They work with you to improve your overall health and quality of life.
- They work with your doctor to minimize the occurrence of complications and hospitalizations.
- They provide you with education, resources, motivation and support to achieve health habit improvements.
- And most importantly... our case managers help your doctor arrange for care across multiple physicians, allied providers, facilities and other care settings.
How Do I Sign Up For A Case Manager?
Call 812-276-1303 to talk directly to a Case Manager. If mailed a consent form, sign it and return to Dunn Memorial Hospital. Let your employer (benefits manager, Human Resources, etc.) know you or your family needs the services of a case manager when you are hospitalized.
When Should I Contact My Case Manager?
- If you need clarification of your treatment plan or diagnosis.
- If arrangements for care support (home health, transportation, medication pick-up, etc.) fall through.
- If you incur a hospitalization or emergency room visit.
- If you need information about available community resources.
- If you need assistance in arranging for care.
- And most importantly... If you need someone who will be an active listener, they’re for you in a difficult time.
Complaints
If you have concerns you would like to express regarding your visit to Dunn Memorial Hospital, please contact the individuals the Hospital has designated to receive this information.
- Donna Sexton: 812.276.1301
- Debbie Bruner: 812.276.1302
- Jeni Embree: 812.276.1212
If the issue/problem is not resolved to the Complainant’s satisfaction, the Complainant will be encouraged to contact the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).
JCAHO contact information is as follows:
- JCAHO Complaint Hotline; 1.800.999.6610
- JCAHO website: www.jcaho.org
Discharge
Preparing To Go Home
Your physician must write an order for release before your release from Dunn Memorial Hospital. After your physician’s final visit, he/she will write a release on your chart, then, a health care team member will discuss your release and continuing care instructions. Many organizations and services provide short-term assistance at home to patients needing nursing therapy, assistance with meal preparation or house cleaning, transportation or help with personal hygiene. Find out if you will need assistance when you are at home recovering and select a caring, compassionate, competent provider of home health services. Our Case Managers are available to assist you in discharge planning.
Your Bill
Dunn Memorial Hospital: Payment at the time of service
Thank you for helping us work collaboratively with your insurance plan. We are committed to improving processes, the quality and outcomes of care. This includes helping you and your family work through any financial hardships created by required co-payment and/or deductible amounts.
Co-Payments
All co-payment amounts must be paid on the date of service unless otherwise noted in the agreement we have with your insurance carrier. These payments can be made at the cashier’s office, or if the cashier is unavailable, they can be paid at the registration desk.
Deductibles
Deductibles that are paid on the date of service will be given a prompt payment discount. Deductible payments can also be made at the cashier’s office or registration desk. If you are unable to pay your financial obligation at the time of service, please contact Financial Counseling at (812) 276-1207 or (812) 276-1352 and they will be happy to help you arrange a convenient payment plan. If financial assistance is needed, you may download a copy of the application . Financial assistance form. (link to down load)
Please Note on your bill
If you receive radiology or laboratory services involving pathology, you will receive a separate bill from the radiologist for interpretation of the x-rays, and likewise, from the pathologist for pathology examination charges. If you have any questions about your bill or charges for service, please contact the billing office or Financial Counseling.
Patients that were treated by an ER physician will receive a separate bill in addition to services performed at Dunn Memorial.