<p>CountingDown- you make a great point about keeping records/notes of all tests, meds and procedures. Sometimes, you are awhile down the road before you know how complex and important it will become to remember details. </p>
<p>If no one has mentioned it, a small notebook will help keep track of everything while you are there.</p>
<p>Bethievt - so sorry you’re feeling so poorly. </p>
<p>here are my recommendations, based on recent experience 
<p>I hope you don’t need any of this but better to be prepared.</p>
<p>Others have already mentioned the items I’d include but I do want to pass along my good wishes. I hope your medical issue is resolved soon and you can get bad to a more normal routine. Take care.</p>
<p>Remember that bag you packed when you were pregnant? Pack a bag like that one. Comfy night gown, warm but short bathrobe, makeup, good book, brush/comb.</p>
<p>Then leave a list for what you want brought to you…your computer or
iPad, kindle or book, magazines, and snack food if you are not on a restricted diet.</p>
<p>Couple of pair of reading glasses
Prescription eye glasses
contacts and solutions needed
Beret for bedhead or similar headgear of choice for unruly hair
Label everything of value with your last name
Leave wedding rings at home in safe place</p>
<p>Theft in hospitals is a problem. They may have a way to lock up some things or you may want to send some things - like your wallet - home. </p>
<p>Best of luck.</p>
<p>A sign to wear around your neck that says “If you are not an in-network provider for <your insurance=”" co="">, do NOT touch me!"</your></p>
<p>I am still struggling with bills after my husband’s hospitalization last year – can’t believe how many “out of network” specialists saw him (unbeknownst to me)… it stinks that they can do that. :/</p>
<p>Best of luck to you - hope you recover and don’t have to go in!</p>
<p>*I am still struggling with bills after my husband’s hospitalization last year – can’t believe how many “out of network” specialists saw him (unbeknownst to me)… it stinks that they can do that. *</p>
<p>They actually dont even have to physically see him to bill, just looked at his chart. Even when I haven’t been hospitalized, I have been billed by Drs that I have never heard of.</p>
<p>I had the same experience from my neck surgery last summer. After two days, I just happen to mention to the hospital doctor that seemed to pop in regularly that I had brand X insurance. She became very upset and said she should never have spoken to me and that I needed to only speak to some other doctor. Turns out that my neuo surgeon is affiliated with brand Z insurance and they all assumed I was too. It is wrong that a patient should be financially responsible for this. Seriously, how are we supposed to know these rules? </p>
<p>Bethievt…sending good wishes your way</p>
<p>Yes, it’s absolutely wrong that you can walk into an “in-network” hospital only to be seen, without warning, by “out-of-network” doctors who insist on full payment. I’m very serious about the sign thing – I’m going to do that if (God forbid) I am ever in the hospital again.</p>
<p>thumper–hahaha about my remembering what I packed for my child’s birth 24+ years ago. The only reason I remember what I packed for Las Vegas 6 weeks ago is that I just unpacked it today.</p>
<p>Generally speaking, it’s not who you see when you’re sick that determines whether it’s paid in-network or out-of-network; it’s how you get there.</p>
<p>In other words, if you go to an in-network hospital and your admitting physician is an in-network doc, you should not be responsible for any out-of-network docs who drop by. Call your insurance company and argue loudly.</p>
<p>I did employee benefits for 30 years, and that’s the way it is.</p>
<p>Beth, at our hospital, they wouldn’t admit you if the only problem is dehydration. You’d spend 8-10 hours in ER while they hook you up to a drip, get a history, run tests, and keep an eye on you. You’d be hospitalized only if your symptoms didn’t respond, or if test results turn up something else. Otherwise, they’d release you.</p>
<p>If you’re pretty sure dehydration is the only issue, you might only want to take something to read. Then if you are admitted, perhaps someone could bring your things to you. As others have said, bring no valuables, not even a watch. If you wear glasses, bring a case.</p>
<p>I don’t know if this is standard, but our hospital provides toothbrush/toothpaste, lip balm, lotion, a comb, and deodorant. So there would be no need to pack those things.</p>
<p>LasMa–as it turns out, I’ve been able to hydrate today, so I’m ok for now. ER hydration is what would happen at our hospital too. I did that when I had dengue fever and then was able to go home with all kinds of follow-up. Hospitalization is a last resort for me!</p>
<p>*Generally speaking, it’s not who you see when you’re sick that determines whether it’s paid in-network or out-of-network; it’s how you get there.</p>
<p>In other words, if you go to an in-network hospital and your admitting physician is an in-network doc, you should not be responsible for any out-of-network docs who drop by. Call your insurance company and argue loudly.*</p>
<p>In my case I wasn’t admitted to the hospital, but had outpatient testing and my Dr wanted to consult with other Drs.
I dont think that Drs should have to keep track of what patient is covered by what.</p>
<p>^^ Or that patients should have surprise bills sprung on them just because their doctor was doing what was best for them.</p>
<p>Beth, glad you hear you’re feeling a bit better.</p>
<p>My FIL was sent to the ER by the dr he’d seen. Well, I should say the doc tried to send him (he was dehydrated from a bout with a GI thing) but he wouldn’t go. The caution is that even though he had stuff to drink with electrolytes, he was still dehydrated. The next morning he was worse and they called the aid car to the assisted living place and transported him to hospital. After a day in the ER, he was admitted for what ended up being 3 days.</p>
<p>I’d have a few things that can be washed in hot water (germs!) like sweat pants and a front-opening shirt, a book or two and a pair of reading glasses. A list of meds is good, too. My hospital has records access so they knew all my dosages. If you really think you might have to go, take jewelry off now and put it away. Leave valuables at home.</p>
<p>Hope your ills don’t last long and a hospital visit isn’t needed.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone!</p>
<p>I’m making hydration almost a full time job. No joke being in the hospital. There are many things I could say against insurance companies, but it’s often good that they’ve shortened hospital stays.</p>
<p>Glad you’re focused on hydration, bethie. I hope this keeps you at home.</p>
<p>I hope your trip to the doc went well and you have some answers. And I really hope you’re feeling better.
Keep us posted!</p>