PATIENT GUIDE - Beaufort Memorial Hospital...2: PROVIDER REFERRAL 1-843-522-5585 Beaufort Memorial...

PATIENT GUIDEbeaufortmemorial.org (843) 522-5200

REMEMBER TO SPEAK UP

Ask questions andvoice concerns.

See page 12.

May 2020

Save Money Now! MDsave Can Help Page 35

What Are Advance Directives? Page 24

Start Planning Your Discharge Now! Page 29

Palliative Care Services Now Available Page 30

In This GuideWelcome to Beaufort Memorial Hospital 3About Us 4Telephone Directory 5During Your Stay 6-10

Visiting Hours 6Your Room 6Calling Your Nurse 6Preventing Infections 6Telephone 7Medications 7Valuables 7Smoking 7Interpreters 7Cafeteria 8Security 8Fire Safety 8Latex Balloon Policy 8TV 8Flowers 8Internet Access 8Television Channel Listing 9Music Channel Listing 10Patient Meals/Guest Trays 11Get Vaccinated 11Gift Shop 11Cheer Cards 11

Speak UpTake charge of your care. 12

12Speak Up

Take charge of your care.

11Get Vaccinated

Flu and pneumonia shots offered here.

Beaufort Memorial Hospital Patient Guide beaufortmemorial.org 877-532-6472 : 1

TM

21Stay Safe

You can contributeto health care safety.

The editorial content displayed here is the responsibility of PatientPoint. This material is for your educational use only. It does not contain, nor should it be construed as containing, medical advice. Talk to your doctor before making any lifestyle or treatment changes. Sponsors are responsible for the material provided, and your healthcare provider’s participation in the program does not represent an explicit or implied endorsement of any material presented. The people shown are models and are not known to have any health condition. Images are for illustrative purposes only. Image credits: Getty Images, iStockphoto. ©2020 PatientPoint®

2 : PROVIDER REFERRAL 1-843-522-5585 Beaufort Memorial Hospital Patient Guide

Your Rights & Responsibilities 13-18

Patient Guide to Medicare Outpatient Observation 19-20

Stay SafeYou can contribute to health care safety. 21-23

What Are Your Advance Directives? 24-25

Do You Have Pain? 26

Your Privacy & Information 27-28

Don’t Leave Until… 29-31

Preparing for Discharge 32-35

For the Caregiver 36Your role as a patient advocate.

Giving Back 37BMH Foundation 37Volunteer 37

Resources 38-43Staff Definitions 38Rapid Response Team (RRT) 39Wound Care Center 39OneBlood 40Blood Conservation Program 40Rehab Services 40Lewis Blackman Hospital Patient Safety Act 41LifeFit Wellness Services 41Chest Pain/Heart Attack & Stroke 42LifeFit Wellness Center 43Quit Smoking 43Caregiver Resources 44

36For the CaregiverYour role as patient

advocate.

29Don’t Leave Until...

6 things you should knowbefore you walk

out the door.

38Resources

In This Guide continued

Thank you for choosing Beaufort Memorial for your health care needs. We want you to know you can count on us to meet and exceed your expectations while you are in our care. Our top priority is your safety and the safety of our staff. In addition to earning the Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, we are proud to be recognized for quality and safety as demonstrated by: n The Joint Commission’s Chest Pain Center

Certificationn The Joint Commission’s Primary Stroke Center

Advanced Certificationn Commission on Cancer’s Accreditation with

Commendation for oncology servicesn American College of Radiology Designated Lung

Cancer Screening Centern National Comprehensive Breast Care Certification

for the Breast Health Centern American College of Radiology Breast Imaging

Center of Excellence n The Joint Commission’s Advanced Certification for

Total Hip and Knee Replacementn Blue Cross & Blue Shield’s disease-specific

certification for obstetrical care If you have questions or suggestions during your stay, please contact your nurse or any member of our staff—we value your feedback. In the meantime, I hope you will take advantage of a convenient way to access your medical information: MyBMH Patient Portal. Visit www.mybmh.org or call the MyBMH Support Center 24/7 at 843-522-7001 or toll-free at 844-522-7001. Once again, thank you for choosing Beaufort Memorial.

Russell Baxley, MHAPresident and CEO

MissionTo enhance the quality of life in the Lowcountry through improved health, innovative partnerships and superior care.

VisionTo transform health care in the Lowcountry through innovation, accessibility and community.

Core Values Compassion: Act with genuine empathy and concern for the well-being of others. Safety: Keep patients, visitors, co-workers and ourselves safe. Zero harm is the ultimate goal.Innovation: Creatively apply new ideas, streamline processes and build excellence into everything we do to create value for our patients.


Welcome to Beaufort Memorial Hospital

OUR ADDRESS955 Ribaut Rd. Beaufort, SC 29902

Your Opinion CountsSoon after your discharge, an independent company may mail you a confidential patient satisfaction survey on behalf of this hospital. Please take the time to share your opinions about your hospital stay. Your feedback is an important part of our goal of improving the care and services we provide.

About Us

Patient Satisfaction Survey Beaufort Memorial Hospital uses an independent

research firm, Press Ganey Research, as the administrator of our Patient Satisfaction Survey. As an inpatient who has received services at Beaufort Memorial Hospital, you may be contacted by Press Ganey to gain knowledge about your experiences and the quality of our care and services while you were here. Press Ganey randomly selects patients to survey. If you are chosen, you will receive mail from Press Ganey shortly after your visit with us. Press Ganey will ask you questions about your satisfaction with the care that you received at Beaufort Memorial. Your opinions will help us improve our services or simply give our staff a “pat on the back” for a job well done.

We hope you will take a few minutes to share your opinions with Press Ganey. If you prefer not to be contacted, please inform a Beaufort Memorial staff member as soon as possible. Your individual responses will remain confidential and anonymous, unless you request to be contacted by a staff member. If you have questions or concerns about this survey, please contact the patient advocate at 843-522-5172.


MAIN NUMBER843-522-5200

Billing843-522-5150

Care Coordination/Discharge Planning843-522-5052

Food & Nutrition Services843-522-5643

Gift Shop843-522-5733

Patient Information/Lobby843-522-5730

Provider Referral Service843-522-5585


Telephone Directory

Department Extension Admitting/Patient Registration 5759Administration 5566 Birthing Center 5176 BMH Foundation 5774 Breast Health Center 5029 Care Coordination/Discharge Planning 5052 Dietitians 5659 Emergency Department 5101 Gift Shop 5733Health Information Services/Medical Records 5993Human Resources 5680Information/Lobby 5730 Intensive Care Unit 5286 Laboratory 5125LifeFit Wellness Services 5635 Marketing and Communications 5171Mental Health Services 5269 Operator 5200Palliative Care Program 7320Patient Care Services 7652 Patient/Family Advocate 5172 Patient Financial Services 5150 Radiology 5130 Rehabilitation Services 5630 Riverview Café 5644 Scheduling 5015 Security Services 5800 Volunteer Services 5544Wound Care Center 5300

Please visit us at beaufortmemorial.org.

Calling a Department WITHIN the Hospital?Simply dial the four-digit extension

VISITING HOURSRegular visiting hours are from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Patients may have one visitor in the ED and up to two visitors at a time in their inpatient room.

Children under age 13 are discouraged from visiting the hospital. If children under age 13 do visit the hospital, they must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Parents/adults with minor children are responsible for their children’s safety/welfare while visiting this facility.

The hospital allows a family member, friend or other individual to be present with the patient for emotional support during the course of the stay. The patient has the right to designate his or her visitor or deny visitor consent.

There may be circumstances where patient visitation is limited for the safety and well-being of staff, patients and visitors. Ask your nurse for a full listing of visitation restrictions, which can be found in the Patient Visitation Policy (RRI 05.12).

During Your Stay

We have policies and procedures in place to ensure patient and visitor privacy and safety, and to help you and your family work with our doctors, nurses and staff to get the most from your hospital stay. Please take a few minutes to review these guidelines with your loved ones.

n Mental Health Unit Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, no visiting hours due to group scheduling Saturday, Sunday & holidays, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors need to be 18 years of age or older.

n Acute Rehabilitation Unit To help maximize patient treatment results, visiting hours are limited to 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

n Ante-Partum Visitors are allowed after Triage is completed.

n Nursery n Parents of boarding infants may visit in the boarder room.

n Grandparents may visit with the banded parent. n Parents of sick newborns unable to leave the nursery

may visit in the nursery.

Your RoomYour room assignment is based on your admitting diagnosis and bed availability. Each hospital room has its own thermostat that you are welcome to adjust if needed.

Calling Your NurseIf you need assistance, you may use the nurse call button on the TV remote (red square with the white plus sign) or call your nurse/CNA directly using the house phone and the four-digit number on the whiteboard.

Preventing Infections n Ask us for assistance to perform hand hygiene regularly,

and keep your hands away from your face, dressings and wounds.

n Let your nurse know if your intravenous catheter or wound dressings are loose or wet.


n Let your nurse know if your gowns or linens are soiled. n If you have any type of catheter or drainage tube, let your

nurse know promptly if it becomes loose or dislodged. n Some patients are on isolation precautions. This is done

to protect the patient and others from infectious diseases. Gloves, gowns and masks are sometimes required.

TelephoneTelephones are in all patient rooms, except in ICU. Most patient phone numbers correspond to the room number. For example, if you are in room 324, your phone number is 843-522-5324. If you are staying in a semi-private room, the bed closest to the door is Bed A and the bed closest to the window is Bed B. Please refer to the instructions below to determine your telephone number, or ask your nurse for assistance.If you are located in Rehabilitation Unit, 2 Central or PCU:

Bed A, dial 522 - 5 + the three-digit room numberBed B, dial 522 - 7 + the three-digit room number

If you are located on the third floor in Room 330:Bed A, dial 522-5330Bed B, dial 522-5331

If you are located on the fourth floor in Room 430:Bed A, dial 522-5430Bed B, dial 522-5431

To call someone within the hospital, just dial the four-digit extension.

To make outside (local) calls, dial 9 + number. There is no charge for local calls. If you have any problems, dial 0 and the hospital operator will assist you.

MedicationsIf you take any medications regularly, you should put them in a bag and bring them with you to the hospital. Your nurse and pharmacist need to know which medicines you are taking. As soon as your nurse makes a note of all your medicines, ask a family member or friend to take them back home. The hospital pharmacy will provide all your medicine during your stay.


Please Leave Your Valuables at HomeBeaufort Memorial Hospital cannot be responsible for misplaced or stolen pieces of personal property. To prevent such losses, we advise you to send your valuables home with a family member or friend.

ValuablesIf your valuables cannot be sent home, please deposit them in the hospital safe. To store your valuables, ask your nurse to contact a security officer.

SmokingOur campus is entirely tobacco-free.

InterpretersAssistance is available for patients who are visually or hearing impaired, or for non-English-speaking patients. Let your nurse know if you need any of these services; reasonable accommodations will be made.

During Your Stay

Fire SafetyFor your protection, the hospital conducts fire and disaster drills regularly. If a drill occurs while you are here, please remain in your room and do not be alarmed. The hospital is a fire-resistant building, and the staff is fully trained in fire protection. If you are in danger, the staff will evacuate you.

Latex Balloon PolicyLatex balloons are not permitted in BMH; please use foil or Mylar balloons as an alternative.

TVColor TVs with cable access are provided free of charge. Each TV has a remote control. Please be considerate of other patients by keeping the volume down and turning your TV off at bedtime. Let your nurse know if you have any problems with your TV.

FlowersMail and packages will be delivered to you by a hospital volunteer. Individual florists deliver flowers to patient rooms. Please note that flowers are prohibited in Intensive Care Units. Patient mail received after discharge will be forwarded to the patient’s home. Outgoing mail may be taken to the nursing station or given to your attending nurse.

Internet AccessTo use wireless internet access by connecting to the Beaufort Network, you first need a wireless network adapter that is 802.11B compliant.Please use the following steps to connect:n Double click your wireless connection in your task

tray (next to your clock). n Under the general tab, click “View Wireless Networks.” n Choose the Beaufort Network and click “Connect,”

or simply double-click the network.

Where’s the Cafeteria?The Riverview Cafeteria is located on the hospital’s lower level.

HOURS:Breakfast 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Lunch 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Night Shift 9:00 p.m. to 11 p.m.

For your convenience, a canteen and vending machines are located on the lower level outside of the cafeteria. Vending machines also are located in the Emergency Department and Maternity areas.

SecurityHospital security officers are available to maintain a secure environment for our patients and visitors. They can be called on to escort visitors to their cars in the parking lot and can help with minor emergencies, like a dead battery. For assistance, call the operator and he or she will contact a security officer for you.



2 PBS – Pembroke, GA3 NBC – Savannah, GA4 ABC – Savannah, GA5 Hargray Channel6 The Weather Channel7 PBS – Beaufort, SC8 WHHI – Hilton Head, SC9 Govt10 FOX – Savannah, GA11 CBS – Savannah, GA12 WGN – Superstation Chicago13 The CW – Baxley, GA14 Oxygen15 Lifetime 16 WE–Women’s Entertainment17 BIO18 Bravo19 Food Network20 Golf Channel21 NBC Sports Network22 Sports South23 ESPN24 ESPN225 ESPN Classic26 NFL Network30 FX31 TNT32 Animal Planet33 BET34 A&E35 Syfy36 Discovery Life37 truTV38 The History Channel39 Discovery Channel40 National Geographic41 HGTV42 TLC43 The Travel Channel44 CNN45 CNN Headline News

46 MSNBC47 Fox News48 CNBC49 E! Entertainment TV50 American Movie Classics51 Turner Classic Movies52 WTBS – Superstation53 Paramount Network54 Comedy Central55 TV Land56 Disney Channel57 Disney XD58 Nickelodeon59 Cartoon Network95 Freeform96 MTV97 VH198 Channel Guide99 CMT

HD Channels077-1 CNN Headline News077-2 MSNBC078-1 Paramount Network078-2 FX080-1 WSAV (NBC)080-2 WTOD (CBS)081-1 WJCL (ABC)081-2 WTGS (FOX)082-1 WJWJ (PBS)082-2 NFL Network083-1 A&E083-2 The History Channel084-1 Food Network084-2 HGTV085-1 USA Network085-2 Lifetime086-1 Animal Planet086-2 TLC087-1 Travel

Channel Listings

10 : PHYSICIAN REFERRAL 1-888-MD-RWJUH Beaufort Memorial Hospital Patient Guide

During Your Stay

087-2 CNN088-1 Fox News088-2 Golf089-1 NBC Sports Network089-2 National Geographic090-1 Syfy090-2 CNBC091-1 Bravo091-2 TBS092-1 TNT092-2 Disney093-1 Disney XD093-2 Freeform094-1 WGSA094-2 WGN094-3 Nickelodeon

Music Channels104-1 Hit List104-2 Hip-Hop and R&B104-3 MCU104-4 Dance/Electronica104-5 Rap104-6 Hip-Hop Classics104-7 Throwback Jamz104-8 R&B Classics104-9 R&B Soul104-10 Gospel105-1 Reggae105-2 Classic Rock105-3 Retro Rock105-4 Rock

105-5 Metal105-6 Alternative105-7 Classic Alternative105-8 Adult Alternative105-9 Soft Rock105-10 Pop Hits106-1 90’s106-2 80’s106-3 70’s106-4 Solid Gold Oldies106-5 Party Favorites106-6 Stage & Screen106-7 Kidz Only106-8 Toddler Tunes106-9 Today’s Country106-10 True Classic107-1 Classic Country107-2 Contemporary Christian107-3 Sounds of the Seasons107-4 Soundscapes107-5 Smooth Jazz107-6 Jazz107-7 Blues107-8 Singers & Swing107-9 Easy Listening107-10 Classical Masterpieces108-1 Light Classical108-2 Musica Urbana108-3 Pop Latino108-4 Tropicales108-5 Mexicana108-6 Romances

Channel Listings cont.

Beaufort Memorial Hospital Patient Guide beaufortmemorial.org 877-532-6472: 11

Gift ShopOur gift shop is conveniently located off the main lobby. It features a variety of items, including candy, flowers, books, magazines and other gift ideas. Friends and family who are unable to visit the hospital can order cheer cards on the hospital’s website, and our volunteers will deliver them to the patient’s room.

Cheer CardsFriends and family can send free greeting cards to hospitalized friends and loved ones by logging onto the hospital’s website. Click “More,” then “Send a Note—Patient Cheer Cards”; select a card and our volunteers will have them delivered to a patient’s room.

Patient Meals/Guest TraysYour meals will be prepared according to your doctor’s order. We are pleased to offer Expressly for You—Personal Service Dining. This innovative program allows you to select meals from a variety of foods, enhancing your dining experience as though you were eating at your favorite restaurant. We encourage you to try our “featured daily chef ’s special.” If help or information is needed, call your host, and he or she will be happy to assist you anytime from 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Guest trays can be purchased for visitors in the Riverview Café during normal business hours; the trays are delivered with your meal. Please use the menu in the room for meal selections. The cost for breakfast is $3; lunch and dinner are $5 each.

Get VaccinatedAll Beaufort Memorial Hospital employees are required to get flu vaccinations, and we urge the community to do the same. If you need a flu or pneumonia vaccination, why not let us vaccinate you while you are here?Flu Vaccines – Yearly vaccine. Age 6 months and up. Given during flu season (October through March).Pneumonia Vaccines – Only one or two doses required. Given all year round. If first dose at age 64 or younger, get second dose five years later, no further doses required. If first dose at age 65 or older, no further doses required.

Ask your nurse about receiving your vaccinations today. Let him or her know of any severe allergic reaction to vaccines in the past, severe allergy to eggs or history of Guillian-Barre Syndrome.

During your stay, the doctors, nurses and staff of your hospital will treat you and your family as partners in your own care. One important way that you can be involved is to speak up. Ask questions, voice your concerns, and don’t be afraid to raise any issues relating not only to your care and treatment, but also to overall hospital services.

In the pages that follow, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to making the most of your hospital stay—how to stay safe, get the information you need, ask the right questions and interact effectively with your doctors, nurses and hospital staff.

Speak Up!

S TAT N OT E n Write down any questions you have.n Choose a support person to communicate with the doctors and staff.n Keep a list of doctors you see and the medications they prescribe.

STEP UP & SPEAK UPSPEAK UPAsk questions and voice concerns. It’s your body, and you have a right to know.

PAY ATTENTIONMake sure you’re getting the right treatments and medicines.

EDUCATE YOURSELFLearn about the medical tests you get and your treatment plan.

FIND AN ADVOCATEPick a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate or support person.

WHAT MEDS & WHYKnow what medicines you take and why you take them.

CHECK BEFORE YOU GOUse a hospital, clinic, surgery center or other type of health care organization that meets The Joint Commission’s quality standards.

PARTICIPATE IN YOUR CAREYou are the center of the health care team.Courtesy of The Joint Commission.

Take charge of your care.

See the Universal Medication Form to keep

track of what you are given in the hospital.


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Your Rights & ResponsibilitiesPurpose

To acknowledge patients’ rights and responsibilities and Beaufort Memorial’s responsibility to respond to each patient with personal dignity and respect in a smoke-free environment. Beaufort Memorial provides Patient Rights and Responsibilities information to each inpatient, outpatient and/or family, patient spokesperson or legal guardian. If the patient, patient spokesperson or legal guardian is unable to understand English, hospital personnel will ensure the patient receives information in a way he/she can understand.

Patient RightsPersonal spokesperson, visitation and communication1. Patient’s Personal Spokesperson:

Each patient should choose a personal spokesperson. The spokesperson does not have to be a blood relative of the patient. This spokesperson has full visitation rights and should be involved in the patient’s plan of care; decisions regarding his/her health care (unless another person has been given this authority as a court-appointed guardian, by a power of attorney or by an advance directive); the patient’s pain management program; and the patient’s discharge process. The patient spokesperson also should help to coordinate visitation by family and guests, according to the patient’s preferences.

2. Visitation: The patient has the

right to choose who his/her family members are, including, but not limited to, a spouse, domestic partner, same-sex partner, other family members or friends who the patient considers to be his/her family. The patient has the right to receive visitation from these family members and other guests during his/her hospital stay. Family and visitors have a responsibility to comply with any visitation restrictions recommended and communicated by the health care team, based on the needs of the patient.

3. Communication: Within limits appropriate for the privacy and well-being of the patient and other patients, communication between the patient and others outside Beaufort Memorial is respected. If the patient is hearing impaired or does not speak and understand the English language, interpreters and/or text and/or telephones will be provided free of charge.

4. Notification of Hospital Admission: The patient has a right to have his/her family and personal physician notified of admission within reasonable amount of time.

Respect and Nondiscrimination1. Access to Treatment: Within the

capacity and scope of its mission and services, Beaufort Memorial respects and supports the patient’s right to impartial access to treatment/services that are consistent with

relevant laws and regulations and medically indicated.

2. Personal Privacy: The right of the patient to personal, visual and auditory privacy will be honored to the extent reasonable.

3. Restraint and Seclusion: The patient shall be free from restraints of any form that are not medically necessary. The patient has the right to be free from restraints and seclusion except in the case of an emergency, where there is an imminent risk of an individual’s physically harming himself/herself or others, or where less restrictive interventions would be ineffective.

4. Psychosocial, Cultural and Spiritual Values: The patient has a right to exercise his/her cultural and personal values, beliefs, preferences and spiritual beliefs as long as they do not interfere with the well-being of others, the planned course of any medical care and/or hospital operations.

5. Photographs, Filming or Recording: Photographs, filming or recording will not be granted without the informed consent of the patient or his/her legal representative. Patients may refuse the photographing, recording or filming of care, and they may request such action(s) stop anytime during the process even if prior consent was given.

6. Safety and Security: The patient has a right to be protected from the risks of the hospital environment.

The Hospital’s Patient Safety/Hospital Performance Improvement Committee, Environment of Care Committee, Infection Control Committee and Risk Management Program will seek to eliminate risks to the patient.

Participation in Treatment Decisions1. Advance Directives: Formulation

and use of advance directives and designation of surrogate decision-makers on your behalf to the extent permitted by law.

2. Explanation of Medical Care: To the extent desired by the patient, the patient has the right to be informed in a clear, concise manner of his/her condition and/or proposed procedures, including risks, benefits and prognosis, and any continuing health requirements after his/her discharge in terms he/she can understand.

3. Medical Decisions: The patient has a right to make decisions concerning his/her care in the inpatient and outpatient areas, advance directives and the refusal of care. Should the patient be unable to make these decisions, the patient may appoint a surrogate to act on his/her behalf.

4. Discharge Planning: Patients may request a discharge planning evaluation.

5. Consultations: The patient has the right to request consultation with a specialist. This may be arranged through referral by the patient’s attending physician.

Your Rights & Responsibilities



6. Refusal of Care: Patients or their surrogates have the right to refuse care, treatment or services according to the laws of South Carolina and to be informed of the consequences of his/her refusal.

7. Protective Services: The patient has a right to access protective services, information and assistance.

8. Freedom From Abuse: Patients have a right to be free by mental, physical, sexual and verbal abuse, neglect, and exploitation by staff, visitors, students, volunteers, other patients or family members.

9. Ethics Committee: Conflicts of values, principles or interest in the clinical setting will be resolved through the collaboration of the professional staff and the patient, and, when appropriate, the patient’s family or other representative. The Beaufort Memorial Ethics Committee will provide assistance when necessary.

Confidentiality and Information Disclosure1. Confidentiality: Patient

confidentiality is honored within the limits of the law. This includes the patient’s location, identity and medical record, and applies to the sharing of information within the hospital with outside sources.

2. Identity of Caregivers: The patient has the right to know the identity and professional status of individuals providing service to him/her and to know which physician or other

practitioner is primarily responsible for his/her care. The patient also has the right to request to speak with his/her attending physician at any time by contacting the charge nurse or nurse supervisor, or by asking any member of the health care team to arrange such communication.

3. Access to Information: The patient has the right to access complete and current information regarding his/her diagnosis, treatment, any known prognosis and outcomes of care, including unanticipated outcomes of care.

4. Investigational Studies/Research Subjects: The patient has the right to refuse to participate in any research activity or to withdraw at any time. This decision does not affect the provision of health care to the patient. Patients participating in research, investigation and clinical trials have the right to adequate information to make an informed consent regarding the research and the right to refuse to participate without compromising their access to care and treatment.

5. Disclosures: The patient has the right to access, request amendments to, and receive an accounting of all disclosures regarding his/her health information as permitted by law.

Patient Responsibilities1. Provision of Information: The

patient has the responsibility to provide, to the best of his/her knowledge, accurate and complete



information on all matters relating to his/her health.

2. Asking Questions: Patients are responsible for asking questions when they do not understand what they have been told about their care or what they are expected to do.

3. Following Instructions: The patient is responsible for following the treatment plan mutually agreed upon by the patient, the physicians and other clinicians involved in the patient’s care. The patient has the responsibility to express any concerns they have in their ability to follow or comply with the proposed care or treatment. The patient is expected to remain on the inpatient clinical unit. If patient refuses to follow instructions regarding leaving the unit, he/she assumes all risk associated with that action.

4. Refusal of Treatment/Accepting Consequences: The patient is responsible for his/her actions and the outcomes of those actions if he/she refuses treatment or does not follow the agreed upon treatment plan.

5. Hospital Charges: The patient is responsible for assuring that the financial obligations of his/her health care are fulfilled as promptly as possible.

6. Hospital Rules and Regulations: The patient is responsible for following hospital rules and regulations affecting patient care and conduct.

7. Respect and Consideration: The patient is responsible for being respectful of the property and privacy of others and of the hospital and its employees, and shall conduct himself/herself accordingly.

Patient Safety and Quality of Care Complaints1. Concerns, Complaints and

Grievances: The patient or the patient’s spokesperson, family or legal guardian has a right to voice concerns, complaints or grievances regarding patient safety, quality of care received or premature discharge. If you have concerns, please talk with the patient’s doctor or nurse, or call the Beaufort Memorial patient advocate in our Patient Experience Department at 843-522-5172. Beaufort Memorial has a process for prompt resolution of patient concerns and details are provided to each patient. Voicing a concern, complaint or grievance will result in timely review, response and, when possible, resolution. Voicing concerns will not affect future care received at the hospital.

If we are unable to resolve your concerns, you can contact the agencies below:n S.C. Dept. of Health and

Environmental Control (DHEC) at 800-922-6735

n The Joint Commission by fax at 630-792-5636 or online at www.


jointcommission.org, then click “Report a Patient Safety Event”

n Carolinas Center for Medical Excellence (Medicaid & Medicare only) at 800-922-3089

Notice of Financial Assistance ProgramIf you do not qualify for a federal or state medical assistance program and are either uninsured or underinsured, you may qualify for assistance through the Financial Assistance Program. If you think you might need assistance with your medical bill, please contact our Patient Financial Services department at 843-522-5150 or toll free at 866-428-2722. You can obtain an application by mail or online at beaufortmemorial.org/financialassistance. We are happy to work with you.

Notice of Nondiscrimination and AccessibilityBeaufort Memorial does not exclude people or discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. Beaufort Memorial provides free aids and services to people with disabilities or whose primary language is not English to communicate effectively with us, such as qualified sign language interpreters; written information in audible and/or electronic formats; and information written in other languages. If you need these services, contact our Patient Advocate at 843-522-5172.

ATTENTION: If you speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. (TTY: 9-711).

Spanish: ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. (TTY: 9-711).

Chinese: 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 (TTY：9-711）。

Vietnamese: CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn. (TTY: 9-711).

Korean: 주의: 한국어를 사용하시는 경우, 언어 지원 서비스를 무료로 이용하실 수 있습니다. (TTY: 9-711)번으로 전화해 주십시오.

French: ATTENTION: Si vous parlez français, des services d’aide linguistique vous sont proposés gratuitement. (ATS : 9-711).

Tagalog: PAUNAWA: Kung nagsasalita ka ng Tagalog, maaari kang gumamit ng mga serbisyo ng tulong sa wika nang walang bayad. (TTY: 9-711).

Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ:Если вы говорите на русском языке, то вам доступны бесплатные услуги перевода. (телетайп: 9-711).


German: ACHTUNG: Wenn Sie Deutsch sprechen, stehen Ihnen kostenlos sprachliche Hilfsdienstleistungen zur Verfügung. (TTY: 9-711).

Gujarati: સુચના: જો તમે ગુજરાતી બોલતા હો, તો નિ:શુલ્ક ભાષા સહાય સેવાઓ તમારા માટે ઉપલબ્ધ છે. (TTY: 9-711).

Arabic:ملحوظة: إذا كنت تتحدث اذكر اللغة،

فإن خدمات المساعدة اللغوية تتوافر لك بالمجان. اتصل برقم رقم هاتف الصم

والبكم: 9-711.

Portuguese: ATENÇÃO: Se fala português, encontram-se disponíveis serviços linguísticos, grátis (TTY: 9-711).

Japanese: 注意事項：日本語を話される場合、無料の言語支援をご利用いただけます。(TTY: 9-711）まで、お電話にてご連絡ください。

Ukrainian: УВАГА! Якщо ви розмовляєте українською мовою, ви можете звернутися до безкоштовної служби мовної підтримки. (телетайп: 9-711).

Hindi: ध्यान दंे: यदि आप हिंदी बोलते हंै तो आपके लिए मुफ्त मंे भाषा सहायता सेवाएं उपलब्ध हंै। (TTY: 9-711) पर कॉल करंे।

Mon-Khmer, Cambodian: ប្រយ័ត្ន៖ បើសិនជាអ្នកនិយាយ ភាសាខ្ម្ររ, ស្រវាជំនួយផ្ន្រកភាសា ដោយមិនគិតឈ្នលួ គឺអាចមានសំរាប់បំរើអ្នក។ ចូរ ទូរស័ព្ទ (TTY: 9-711)។



Patient Guide to Medicare Outpatient Observation

What is outpatient observation? Observation is a special outpatient service at

a hospital that allows your doctor to watch your condition for changes. Your doctor must decide if your condition could get worse after you leave the hospital. This extra time will help your doctor and nurses decide if your condition could change enough for you to stay at the hospital as an inpatient. If the doctor hasn’t written an order to admit you as an inpatient, you can be an outpatient and receive Emergency Department services, transfer to the Observation Unit, receive medications, lab tests and/or X-rays, and even spend the night at the hospital.

Will you please explain the kind of illness I might have that would require outpatient observation services? Some problems you could have are nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, fever and some types of chest pain. Patients usually get well in short amounts of time, such as 24 to 48 hours, for these problems. Your doctor may need you to stay because of concern for your health.

Your doctor also could want to place you in outpatient observation because of problems after your outpatient operation, such as pain or bleeding or because you have not been able to use the bathroom.

What happens at the end of the short time period of 24 to 48 hours?Your doctor and nurses will carefully watch your condition and will decide if you are sick enough for admission as an inpatient or well enough to go home. Your care may continue with visits to your doctor’s office if you go home.

Observation is a special outpatient service at a hospital that allows your doctor to watch your condition for changes.


Patient Guide to Medicare Outpatient Observation

You will receive the same quality attention as any patient at the hospital.

What if I live alone and just want to stay at the hospital after my emergency room visit or outpatient surgery?Medicare will not pay for the hospital care if you want to stay because of your home life or because you do not have a ride home from the hospital. Medicare requires that your doctor make the decision based only on your illness or a health problem.

How much money will I owe?Medicare pays for observation as an outpatient service. This means your Part B annual deductible of $198.00 could be due, and you could owe co-pays for the outpatient services you receive. You will receive separate bills from your doctor and the hospital. You also will be billed for any drugs that you can give yourself, such as pain pills or high blood pressure medicine, while in outpatient observation. Medicare considers these drugs as self-administrable and does not pay for them when you are an outpatient at the hospital.

What is the difference in the quality of services I will receive in outpatient observation?None. You will receive the same care by your doctor, nurses and other hospital staff, and receive the same high-quality attention as any patient at the hospital.

If you have any questions about this information, please ask to speak to a care coordinator when you reach the floor. Care coordinators are available Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.


While you are in the hospital, many people will enter your room. The following information will help make your hospital stay safe and comfortable.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask…A number of people may enter your hospital room. Be sure to:n Ask for the ID of everyone who comes into

your room.n Speak up if hospital staff doesn’t ask to check your ID.n Ask if the person has washed his or her hands or

used the alcohol-based sanitizer before he or she touches you.

n If you are told you need certain tests or procedures, ask why you need them, when they will happen, and how long it will be before you get the results.

Stay Safe

YOU’RE IN CHARGEErrors can occur during your hospital stay. They can involve medications, procedures or paperwork—for example, being given salt with a meal when you’re on a salt-free diet, or receiving someone else’s medical forms.

You can help prevent errors by taking charge of your care. Be sure to:n stay informed about your medical conditionn know the details of your treatment plann understand the tests and procedures you will undergo

Your doctor can answer these questions. Take notes when you speak with your doctor, or have a trusted friend or family member take notes for you so you can refer to them later. Also ask for any written information your doctor may be able to provide about your condition and/or treatments. Remember—you’re in charge.

You can contribute to health care safety.


Stay Safe continued

Fighting InfectionsWhile you’re in the hospital to get well, you should know that there is the possibility of developing an infection. The single most important thing you can do to help prevent infections is to wash your hands and make sure that everyone who touches you—including your doctors and nurses—washes his or her hands, too.

You, your family and friends should wash hands:1. after touching objects or surfaces in the hospital room2. before eating3. after using the restroom4. upon entering and exiting your roomIt also is important that your health care providers always clean their hands with either soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, before and after they touch you. Health care providers know to practice hand hygiene, but sometimes they forget. You and your family should not be afraid or embarrassed to speak up and ask them to wash their hands.

Preventing Medication ErrorsBy taking part in your own care, you can help the members of your health care team avoid medication errors. Here’s how:n Be sure that all of your doctors know what

medications you have been taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbal and vitamin supplements, natural remedies and recreational drugs.

n Be sure that all of your doctors know of any allergies you may have—to medications, anesthesia, foods, latex products, etc.

n When you are brought medications or IV fluids, ask the person to check to be sure you are the patient who is supposed to receive the medications.

n Show that person your ID bracelet to double-check. Remember—you play an important role in helping to reduce medication errors.

Happy Birthday to You!Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. That’s about the same amount of time that it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.

No Soap? Try this!Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are as effective as soap and water in killing germs. To use, apply the sanitizer to the palm of your hand and rub your hands together. Keep rubbing over all the surfaces of your fingers and hands until they are dry. With visible soiling, one always must use soap and water. The alcohol-based hand sanitizer may be used unless you are in “Contact Plus Precautions.” In this instance, washing your hands with soap and water is best.


Know Your Meds While you are hospitalized, your doctor may prescribe medications for you. Be sure that you understand exactly what they are and why they are being prescribed. Use this checklist to help you get the information you need from your doctor:

What is the name of the medicine? What is its generic name? Why am I taking this medicine? What dose will I be taking? How often, and for how long? What are the possible side effects? Can I take this medicine while taking my other medications or dietary supplements?

Are there any foods, drinks or activities that I should avoid while taking this medicine?

Preventing FallsPatients of all ages are at risk of falls because their medication may make them dizzy, weak or unsteady. Just being in the hospital on bed rest also can increase your fall risk. For your safety, please:

n Always call for assistance before getting out of bed.n Keep the call button within easy reach.n Have items such as your glasses, tissues, the

telephone and anything else you need within reach.

n When you get assistance, rise slowly from your bed or chair to prevent dizziness.n Walk close to the wall and hold onto the handrail while in the bathroom.

DVT: LOWER YOUR RISKDeep-vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when blood clots form in the legs and block circulation. The clots can lodge in the brain, heart or lungs, causing damage or even death. When you’re hospitalized and in bed with limited physical activity, your risk of DVT increases. Ask your doctor about using compression boots or stockings and/or blood thinners to prevent DVT during your stay.

Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any of the following warning signs:

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _A leg cramp or charley horse that gets worse _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Swelling and discoloration in your leg, upper arm

or neck _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Unexplained shortness of breath

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Chest discomfort that gets worse when you breathe

deeply or cough _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Lightheadedness or

blacking out

USE THE NOTES SECTION ON PAGE 25 TO HELP YOU MONITOR YOUR MEDICATIONS.

Patients of all ages are at risk of falls because of medications that may make them dizzy, weak or unsteady.


Advance directives—a living will, health care proxy and durable power of attorney—are the legal documents that allow you to give direction to medical personnel, family and friends concerning your future care when you cannot speak for yourself. You do not need a lawyer in order to complete advance directives.

There are two types of advance directives in South Carolina: the living will and the health care power of attorney. When you provide BMH with copies of your advance directives, BMH will honor them.

FYIYou can obtain more information about living wills and advance directives by contacting the Care Coordination Department at ext. 5052. Advance

directive forms also are available on Beaufort Memorial’s website. Click “Patients & Visitors,” then “Downloadable Forms.”

Patient Services Advance DirectivesYou have the right to make decisions about your own medical treatment. These decisions become more difficult if, due to illness or a change in mental condition, you are unable to tell your doctor and loved ones what kind of health care treatments you want. That is why it is important for you to make your wishes known in advance. It is more difficult to execute advance directives once you become a patient in the hospital because you will need to have two witnesses not related to you

What Are Your Advance Directives?


by blood or marriage to complete these forms.

Here is a brief description of each kind of directive:

Living WillA set of instructions documenting your wishes about life-sustaining medical care. It is used if you become terminally ill, incapacitated, or unable to communicate or make decisions. A living will protects your rights to accept or refuse medical care and removes the burden for making decisions from your family, friends and medical professionals. The living will most commonly used in South Carolina is the “Declaration of a Desire for a Natural Death.”

Health Care Proxy A person (agent) you appoint to make your medical decisions if you are unable to do so. Choose someone you know well and trust to represent your preferences. Be sure to discuss this with the person before naming him or her as your agent. Remember that an agent may have to use his or her judgment in the event of a

medical decision for which your wishes aren’t known.

Durable Power of AttorneyFor health care: A legal document that names your health care proxy. Once written, it should be signed, dated, witnessed, copied and put into your medical record. For finances: You also may want to appoint someone to manage your financial affairs when you cannot. A durable power of attorney for finances is a separate legal document from the durable power of attorney for health care. You may choose the same person for both, or choose different people to represent you.

Note: Hospital employees may not serve as a witness for a financial and/or health care durable power of attorney.

Ethics CommitteeOur Medical Ethics Committee can help you with difficult medical decisions. Call the hospital operator by dialing 0 or ext. 5200, and ask to speak to the administrator on call.

Notes

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_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________


You are the expert about how you are feeling. Be sure to tell your doctor or nurse when you have any kind of pain.

To help describe your pain, be sure to report:n When the pain began.n Where you feel pain.n How the pain feels—sharp, dull,

throbbing, burning, tingling.n If the pain is constant, or if it comes

and goes.n What, if anything, makes the pain

feel better.n What, if anything, makes the pain

feel worse.n How much pain, if any, your medicine

is taking away.n If your medicine helps with the pain,

how many hours of relief you get.

Prescribing Pain Medication in the HospitalOur staff understands that pain relief is important. However, mistakes or misuses of pain medication can cause serious health problems and are a major cause of accidental death. Chronic pain is best

managed by a primary care provider or a pain specialist outside the hospital.

We use our best judgment to provide safe and appropriate pain relief, and we follow all legal and ethical guidelines. For your safety, we:n Review your health and prescription

history, including whether you receive pain medication from another provider, to determine the best approach to managing your pain.

n Prescribe pain medication with the lowest risk of addiction or overdose, for no longer than necessary.

n Will help you find treatment for any pain or medication problems that you may have.

Our entire staff is committed to following these guidelines.

This information is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended to prescribe a particular course of treatment, deter you from seeking treatment or take the place of the clinical judgment of your treating physician. Any questions about this information should be addressed to the Beaufort Memorial patient advocate at 843-522-5172.

Do You Have Pain?Manage your pain so your hospital stay is as comfortable as possible.

USE THE PAIN RATING SCALE BELOW TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR OR NURSE HOW YOUR PAIN IS AFFECTING YOU.


Your Privacy & Information

Privacy & Your Health Information You have privacy rights under a federal law that protect

your health information. These rights are important for you to know. Federal law sets rules and limits on who can look at and receive your health information.

Who must follow this law?n Doctors, nurses, pharmacies, hospitals,

clinics, nursing homes and many other health care providers and their vendorsn Health insurance companies, HMOs and most employer group health plansn Certain government programs that pay for health care, such as Medicare and Medicaid

What information is protected?n Information your doctors, nurses and other health care providers put in your medical recordsn Conversations your doctor has with nurses and others regarding your care or treatmentn Information about you in your health insurer’s computer systemn Billing information about you at your clinicn Most other health information about you held by those who must follow this law

You have rights over your health information. Providers and health insurers who are required to follow this law must comply with your right to:n Ask to see and get a copy of your medical recordsn Request an amendment to your health informationn Receive a notice that tells you how your health

information may be used and sharedn Decide if you want to give your permission before your health information can be used or shared for certain purposes, such as for marketingn Get a report on when and why your health information was shared for certain purposesn File a complaint

Your InformationIf you believe your health information was used or shared in a way that is not allowed under the privacy law, or if you weren’t able to exercise your rights, you can file a complaint with your provider or health insurer. You also can file a complaint with the U.S. government. Go online to https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/smartscreen/main.jsf for more information.

You can contact the Beaufort Memorial HIPAA privacy officer at 843-522-5108 with concerns about your privacy rights.


Your Privacy & Information

A separate lawprovides additional privacy protections to patients of alcohol and drug treatment programs. For more information, go online to www.samhsa.gov.

To make sure that your health information is protected in a way that doesn’t interfere with your health care, your information can be used and shared:n For your treatment and care coordinationn To pay doctors and hospitals for your health care and help run their businessesn With your family, relatives, friends or others you identify who are involved with your health care or your health care bills, unless you objectn To make sure doctors give good care and nursing homes are clean and safen To protect the public’s health, such as by reporting when the flu is in your arean To make required reports to the police, such as reporting gunshot wounds

Without your written permission, your provider cannot:n Give your health information to your employern Share private notes about your mental health counseling sessions

Adapted from U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office for Civil Rights


When it’s time to be released from the hospital, your physician will authorize a hospital discharge. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you are completely well—it only means that you no longer need hospital services. If you disagree, you or your caregiver can appeal the decision (see If You Disagree, at right).

On the other hand, you may be pleased to learn that your doctor has approved your discharge. But before you can leave the hospital, there are several things that you or your caregiver must attend to.

The first step is to know who will be involved in your discharge process. This starts with the hospital’s discharge planner, who may be a nurse, social worker or administrator, or may have some other title. You and your caregiver should meet this person relatively early in your hospital stay; if not, find out who the person is and be sure to meet with him or her well before your expected discharge date.

Make sure you have the following information before you leave the hospital:

1. Patient health summary. This is an overview of why you were in the hospital, which health care professionals saw you, what procedures were done and what medications were prescribed.

2. Medications list. This is a listing of what medications you are taking, why, in what dosage and who prescribed them. (You’ll already have this if you use the notes section on page 25 to keep track while you’re in the hospital.) But also having a list prepared by the hospital is a good way to double-check the information.

Don’t Leave Until…

6 things to know before you walk out that hospital door.

Also see Preparing for Discharge on page 32.

If You DisagreeYou or your support person can appeal your doctor’s discharge decision. If you are a Medicare patient and were inpatient status, be sure you are given “An Important Message from Medicare” from the hospital’s discharge planner or caseworker. This details your rights to remain in the hospital for care and provides information on whom to contact to appeal a discharge decision.


Don’t Leave Until… continued

3. Rx. If your physician gives you prescriptions for medications, you should have these filled as soon as possible.

4. Follow-up care instructions. Make sure you have paperwork that tells you:

n what, if any, dietary restrictions you need to follow and for how long

n what kinds of activities you can and can’t do, and for how long

n how to properly care for any injury or incisions you may have

n what follow-up tests you may need and when you need to schedule them

n what medicines you must take, why and for how long

n when you need to see your physician

n any other home care instructions for your caregiver, such as how to get you in and out of bed, how to use and monitor any equipment, and what signs and symptoms to watch out for

n telephone numbers to call if you or your caregiver has any questions pertaining to your after-hospital care

5. Other services. When you leave the hospital, you may need to spend time in a rehabilitation facility, nursing home or other institution. Or you may need to schedule tests at an imaging center, have treatments at a cancer center or have outpatient therapy. Be sure to speak with your nurse or physician to get all the details you need before you leave.

6. Community resources. You and your caregiver may feel unprepared for what will happen after your discharge. Make sure your care coordinator provides you with information about local resources, such as agencies that can provide services like transportation, equipment, home care and respite care. Some of these services can be covered by your health insurance and some may have an out-of-pocket cost associated with them. Your care coordinator will be able to help you determine what is covered/not covered by your insurance.

Outpatient Rehabilitation ServicesThe goal of rehabilitation services is to facilitate your best recovery of function. Outpatient Rehabilitation Services include the professional care of physical therapists, occupational therapists and/or speech-language pathologists. If you need the continued care of a rehabilitation professional and are not homebound, then our outpatient services may best serve your needs.

Home Health CareHome health is health care provided by medical professionals in a patient’s home to maintain or restore health. Its range of skilled services includes nursing care, physical, occupational and speech therapies and social work services. Medicare defines home health care as intermittent, physician-ordered medical services or treatment.

Palliative Care If you have a serious illness, Beaufort Memorial’s Care Coordination team will help connect you with palliative/


supportive/comfort care services to help you manage your stress and symptoms. Beaufort Memorial’s Care Coordination team will help connect you with services to address emotional and physical discomfort during treatment and help you and your family understand how to maintain the highest quality of life possible.

Home CareHome care offers patients assistance with the activities of daily living, medication management, transportation and errands. Specialty care may be available as well. This type of care is generally not covered by medical insurance and is an out-of-pocket expense.

Durable Medical Equipment (DME)Medical equipment that is ordered by a doctor for use in a patient’s home. Examples are walkers, crutches, wheelchairs and hospital beds. DME is paid for under Medicare Part B and Part A for home health services.

Independent LivingCommunities for seniors who are very independent and have few medical problems. Communities offer different amenities for their residents, so be sure to ask what might be included in the monthly cost.

Assisted LivingAn apartment in a long-term care facility for elderly or disabled people who can no longer live on their own

but who don’t need a high level of care. Assisted living facilities provide assistance with medications, meals in a cafeteria or restaurant-like setting, and housekeeping services. Nursing staff is on-site. Most facilities have social activities and provide transportation to appointments, shopping, etc.

Nursing HomeA residential facility for people with chronic illness or disability, particularly elderly people who need assistance for most or all of their daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing and toileting. Nursing homes provide 24-hour skilled care and also are called long-term care facilities. Many nursing homes provide short-term rehabilitative stays for patients recovering from an injury or illness. Some facilities have a separate unit for residents with memory loss.

HospiceA licensed or certified program that provides care to people who are terminally ill and their families. Hospice care can be provided at home, in a hospice or other freestanding facility, or within a hospital. Hospice care emphasizes the management of pain and discomfort and addresses the physical, spiritual, emotional, psychological, financial and legal needs of the patient and his or her family.


When You Are DischargedYour physician determines when you are ready to be discharged. Your physician and nurse will give you discharge instructions and answer any questions you have about managing your treatment and medications once you are home. If you are confused or unsure about what you need to do, what medications you must take or if you have to restrict your diet or activities, don’t be afraid to ask and take notes.

Be sure you understand any instructions you have been given before you leave the hospital.

Preparing for Discharge

Going Home When your doctor feels that you are ready to

leave the hospital, he or she will authorize a hospital discharge. Please speak with your nurse about our discharge procedures.

Here are a few tips to make the discharge process run smoothly:n Be sure you and/or your caregiver has spoken with a

discharge planner and you understand what services you may need after leaving the hospital. (See Don’t Leave Until … on page 29 for more discharge advice.)

n Verify your discharge date and time with your nurse or doctor.

n Have someone available to pick you up.n Check your room, bathroom and bedside table

carefully for any personal items.n Make sure you and/or your caregiver has all necessary

paperwork for billing, referrals, prescriptions, etc.n Please leave behind all hospital-related equipment,

such as walkers, safety belts, etc.If you have any questions about your bill, or think you will need assistance, please call the financial counselor at 843-522-5150.

BillingWhat a Hospital Bill CoversThe hospital bill covers the cost of your room, meals, 24-hour nursing care, laboratory work, tests, medication, therapy and the services of hospital employees. You will receive a separate bill from your physicians for their professional services.

The hospital is responsible for submitting bills to your insurance company and will do everything possible to expedite your claim. You should remember that your policy is a contract between you and your insurance company, and you have the final responsibility for payment of your hospital bill.

How to Avoid Surprise Medical BillsOffering the most complete array of medical services


requires Beaufort Memorial Hospital to contract with a variety of area physicians and services. Some of these services will be in-network or out-of-network based on your insurance plan.

Your insurance plan may not cover the providers listed below. You will receive a separate bill from them if they provide a service to you while you are in our facilities. Please contact them directly if you have questions or concerns.

Beaufort Medical Imaging (radiology physicians)866-531-5903Charleston Pathology, P.A.855-552-2505Lowcountry Anesthesia, P.A.888-537-8533Team Health (hospitalists and ER physicians)888-952-6772

Check Ahead!Avoid surprise bills by checking ahead before receiving scheduled services. There are two ways to do this:

1. Check with your insurance company to see which physicians are in-network.

2. Check with the physician’s office to see if they are in-network with your insurance.

If you need assistance understanding your Beaufort Memorial Hospital bill, please contact the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Patient Financial Services Department at 843-522-5150.

Coordination of Benefits (COB)Coordination of benefits, referred to as COB, is a term used by insurance companies when you are covered under two or more insurance policies. This usually happens when spouses or partners are listed on each other’s insurance policies, when both parents carry their children on their individual policies or when there is eligibility under two federal programs.

If you need home health, medical equipment or other follow-up appointments after discharge, you will be seen by a care coordinator while an inpatient to assist you and your family in obtaining them. It is your right to choose which company you want to provide these, but if your insurance or managed care plan has preferred providers and you do not choose one of these, you may have to pay more out of your own pocket. Ask your nurse or therapist if you need more information.


Self-Pay StatementsThe Patient Financial Services department will send statements for payment of balances due from the patient (either self-pay balances or amounts owed after insurance payments). You will receive three billing statements, and we will attempt to contact you by phone over a 90-day period to obtain a payment or to make payment arrangements. If payment arrangements are not established and payment is not made in full during the 90-day period, the account will be placed with a collection agency. If you need an itemized statement, you can get one by calling our Patient Financial Services department at 843-522-5150 or toll free at 866-428-2722.

Self-Pay Billing Discount PolicyAll patients with no form of insurance who do not otherwise qualify for the above programs (self- pay patients) will be given a 30 percent discount on their total hospital bill.

Preparing for Discharge

This also can occur when you are involved in a motor vehicle accident and have medical insurance and automobile insurance.

Most insurance companies have COB provisions that determine which is the primary payer when medical expenses are incurred. This prevents duplicate payments. COB priority must be identified at admission in order to comply with insurance guidelines. Your insurance may request a completed COB form before paying a claim, and every attempt will be made to notify you if this occurs. The hospital cannot provide this information to your insurance company. You must resolve this issue with your insurance carrier in order for the claim to be paid.

MedicareThis hospital is an approved Medicare provider. All services billed to Medicare follow federal guidelines and procedures. Medicare has a COB clause. At the time of service, you will be asked to answer questions to help determine the primary insurance carrier paying for your visit. This is referred to as an MSP Questionnaire and is required by federal law. Your assistance in providing accurate information will allow us to bill the correct insurance company.

Self-administrable drugs (SADs) are statutorily excluded from Medicare coverage. Your secondary insurance may or may not pay for these noncovered SAD charges. Medicare deductibles and coinsurance are covered by your secondary insurance. If you do not have secondary insurance, or if your secondary insurance does not pay these amounts, you will be asked to pay or establish a payment plan. If you are unable to pay these amounts, we will help you determine if you qualify for a state-funded program or financial assistance.

Commercial InsuranceAs a service to you, our customer, we will forward a claim to your commercial insurance carrier based on the information you provide at the time of registration. It is very important for you to provide all related


information, such as policy number, group number and the correct mailing address for your insurance company.

Let Us Help With Your Health Care CostsWe are committed to providing financial assistance for our patients who need help covering their bills. We will qualify patients who are eligible for the following programs:n Medicaidn Medically Indigent Assistance Programn Crime Victim’s Assistancen Vocational Rehabilitationn Best Chance Network

MDsaveLower out-of-pocket health expenses.If you have a high-deductible health plan or are uninsured, you can purchase procedures, services and primary care visits online and save up to 60 percent on your care. Visit mdsave.com/savings to learn more.

BMH Financial Assistance ProgramIf you do not qualify for assistance but are either uninsured or underinsured, you may qualify for a discount on your balance after insurance has paid. If you think you might need financial assistance with your hospital bill, please contact our Patient Financial Services department at 843-522-5150 or toll free at 866-428-2722. You may obtain a financial assistance application by mail or on our website by clicking “Patients & Visitors,” then “Downloadable Forms.” We are happy to work with you.

Uninsured?If you are in need of assistance with your hospital bill, you can contact Hospital Financial Counseling at 843-522-5150.

36 : beaufortmemorial.org 877-532-6472

While your loved one is in the hospital, who will speak up for him or her? You can, by being the patient’s advocate—the person who will help the patient work with doctors, nurses and hospital staff. To help your loved one make the best decisions about his or her care and treatment, follow the advice in the caregiver list at right.

While you are making sure that your loved one’s needs are being met, don’t neglect your own. Caregiving is a stressful and time-consuming job. You may neglect your diet, your normal exercise routine and your sleep needs. You may find that you have little or no time to spend with friends, to relax or to just be by yourself for a while. But downtime is important. Don’t be reluctant to ask for help in caring for your loved one. Take advantage of friends’ offers to help, and look into local adult daycare programs. Find out more about how you can ease the stress of caregiving at www.caregiver.org.

For the CaregiverCAREGIVER...know what conditionyour loved one is being treated for.

patient’s rightsKnow your patient’s rights and responsibilities (see page 13).

advance directivesKnow whether or not your loved one has an advance directive and if so, what it specifies (see page 24).

ask questionsIf your loved one is too ill or reluctant to ask questions, make note of his or her concerns and any you may have, and don’t be afraid to speak up (see Speak Up! on page 12).

help track medicationsYour loved one may be prescribed medications while in the hospital and may be seen by several doctors. Keep track of it all with Notes on page 25.

what’s next?Will your loved one need home care or care at another facility? Ask to speak with a case manager to find out what your options are.

Your role as a patient advocate.

Caregiver, remember to care for yourself!

beaufortmemorial.org 877-532-6472 : 37

Giving Back

BMH Foundation Helping Us Help Others

The BMH Foundation helps Beaufort Memorial Hospital fulfill its mission of providing superior health care. The Foundation receives direct contributions and bequests, manages the popular Valentine Ball and offers charitable gift annuities. Foundation trustees carefully oversee the distribution of your gifts to ensure they adhere to your wishes and the health care needs of our community.

Listed below is a sampling of technology, improvements and services made possible by our donors:

n Keyserling Cancer Centern Cochrane Heart Centern CHiP Mobile Wellness Unitn LifeFit Wellness Centern 3D Mammographyn Patient Monitorsn Nursing Scholarshipsn Pratt Emergency Center

Honor a CaregiverOftentimes patients want to express their gratitude to personnel encountered during their hospital stay with a tangible gift. Through our Honor a Caregiver program, you can make a gift to the BMH Foundation in honor of a doctor, nurse or other caregiver who has shown special concern or outstanding care. The caregiver will be notified of your recognition. Go to www.bmhfoundationsc.org or call the Foundation for more information.

Ways to GiveYou can contribute to the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Foundation in a number of ways:

n Cashn Stocks and bondsn Bequestsn IRA Charitable Rollover

How to Given Mail: P.O. Box 2233, Beaufort,

SC 29901n In person: 990 Ribaut Rd., Third

Floor, Beaufort, SC 29902n Phone: 843-522-5774n Online: www.bmhfoundationsc.org

Contact us:BMH FoundationP.O. Box 2233Beaufort, SC 29901843-522-57745774 ( from hospital phones)[email protected]

Hospital VolunteersVolunteers give thousands of hours each year to our hospital to enhance the care of our patients and their families. They provide support throughout the hospital, including staffing the information desk, delivering mail and flowers, operating the gift shop and escorting patients. If you’re interested in volunteering at Beaufort Memorial, call Volunteer Services at 843-522-5544.


Resources

Staff Definitions Physicians

Your primary care physician, a resident physician on duty or a hospitalist will supervise your care while you are in the hospital.

NursesIn each nursing unit, a registered nurse is responsible for supervising patient care and directing the nursing and support staff of the unit. Registered nurses are assisted by nursing assistants and nurse technicians. The nursing staff is available around the clock.

DietitiansA registered dietitian will review yourmedical record and work with yourhealth care team to develop a nutritioncare plan for you as indicated. Registered dietitians also are available to educate you about any diets you may need to follow after you are discharged.

Rehabilitation Therapists Physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech pathologists will work with you, your family and your medical team to help meet goals of recovery. Therapy may range from brief consultation to long-term rehab intervention, depending on the extent of your injuries or illness. Should you require a longer course of care, ask your physician about our Rehabilitation Unit or Outpatient Clinics.

Technicians and Technologists Skilled health professionals perform and assist with laboratory and other procedures, including X-rays, mammograms, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, cardiac catheterization, radiation therapy and other procedures that help in diagnosing and treating your illness or injury.

Care Coordinators Care coordinators, who are both nurses and social workers, will review your medical record and discuss your discharge plan. They also are available to assist you with arrangement for home care, admission to a long-term care facility or rehabilitation care. They can also offer emotional support and guidance to help patients and their families deal with financial, social and emotional problems related to illness or hospitalization.

Pharmacists While you are in the hospital, all of your medications are dispensed by our hospital pharmacists. They can answer any questions you have regarding your medications.

Pastoral CareA group of volunteer ministers is available to all patients and their families. Please contact your nurse to request these services.

Patient/Family Advocacy Office Our Patient/Family Advocacy Office can assist you with special needs or requests, or address any issues that you


may have. Call 843-522-5172 Monday through Friday during work hours, or ask for the nursing supervisor in the evenings or on weekends.

Hospitalists BMH employs a team of physician specialists called hospitalists who provide attentive, expert and continuous patient care while you are in the hospital. Many area physicians contract with our hospitalists to ensure you have around-the-clock access to a physician during your stay. All BMH hospitalists are board certified or board eligible in internal medicine or family medicine.

Hospital Resources Rapid Response Team (RRT) The role of the RRT is to provide early rapid interventions for patients, promote improved outcomes and reduce hospital mortality. The team consists of a critical care RN and a respiratory therapist. When activated, the team will respond to the bedside within five minutes. The attending physician will be contacted and given a report on each RRT call.

Criteria for activating the RRT: A nurse, patient or family member may call a rapid response when he or she believes a patient may be deteriorating. The criterion for activating the RRT may include any of the following: n Acute change in heart rate n Acute change in systolic blood pressure n Acute change in respiratory rate n Acute change in oxygen saturation

n Acute change in mental status n Acute change in urine output (less

than 50 ml for four hours) n Chest pain n Nurse, patient or family is

acutely concerned n Physician request n Acute change in pain level n New-onset, prolonged or

repeated seizures

Procedure for activating the RRT: n Dial the internal paging system, ext. 5555 n Enter the patient’s room number Example: 5555 + 229 (if 229 is the room number)

Exceptions: The rapid response team does not cover: n Labor and delivery n Nursery n Surgical Services (OR, PACU, Endo) n ER n Cath lab n ICU

All have their own protocols.

Wound Care CenterThe Wound Care Center is an outpatient treatment center that provides comprehensive wound treatment, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Patients who suffer from non-healing wounds benefit greatly from targeted wound care. To schedule an appointment, call 843-522-5300.


Resources

OneBlood Beaufort Memorial Hospital partners with OneBlood to provide its patients with blood products. OneBlood is a not-for-profit community asset that supplies blood to more than 200 hospitals in Florida and parts of Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina. Safety of the blood supply is OneBlood’s top priority.

If you are interested in donating blood, you can walk in or schedule an appointment at the OneBlood Community Blood Donation Center. The blood center is located at 1001 Boundary St. in Beaufort. To contact the blood center, call 843-522-0409. You also can donate through any of OneBlood’s Mobile Drives. Just look for the “Big Red Bus.”

Blood Conservation ProgramReducing Your Risk of Blood TransfusionBeaufort Memorial Hospital is dedicated to providing you with a progressive approach in the treatment of anemia.

As a blood conservation hospital, our physicians offer sound medical and surgical methods to reduce or eliminate your chances of having to receive a blood transfusion.

The ultimate goal is high-quality patient care and better patient outcomes.

If you simply prefer to avoid a transfusion or refuse a blood transfusion, please notify your health care professionals. Throughout your stay, we will ensure that you receive the best care possible, while respecting your personal and religious beliefs.

To contact the blood conservation coordinator, call 843-522-5293.

For more information, visit our website at beaufortmemorial.org, and click “Services,” then “Blood Conservation.”

Beaufort Memorial Outpatient Rehab Beaufort Memorial provides outpatient comprehensive rehabilitation in several locations throughout the county. Our outpatient therapists are clinicians experienced in treating complaints secondary to musculoskeletal, neurological, degenerative and traumatic issues. They have wide-ranging expertise in orthopaedics, manual therapy, ergonomics, pediatrics, lymphedema, sports injury, hand and upper extremity trauma and communication and swallowing disorders. Providing comprehensive services in the following locations:n Physical, occupational and speech

therapies for adults offered at the Beaufort Memorial Medical and Administrative Center (BMAC) at 990 Ribaut Road in Beaufort.

n Pediatric rehab services offered through HealthLink for Children at 990 Ribaut Road at the Beaufort Memorial Medical and Administrative Center (BMAC) in Beaufort and at 31 Innovation Drive in Bluffton.

n Adult physical therapy with a focus on orthopaedic conditions offered at 1251 Ribaut Road in Beaufort.

n Physical, occupational and speech therapies available at Bluffton


Medical Services at 11 Arley Way in Bluffton.

Lewis Blackman Hospital Patient Safety Act The Lewis Blackman Hospital Patient Safety Act requires hospitals to provide specific information to patients who require inpatient care or outpatient surgery. All staff members, people in training and doctors on the medical staff will be wearing a badge stating their name, department, job or job title. We do this to help you recognize who is involved in your personal care, treatment decisions or surgical procedures.

Our clinical staff includes credentialed physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nursing aides, medical technicians and therapists.

Clinical trainees include resident physicians, medical students, nursing students and other health care professionals training in a hospital.

A credentialed caregiver is a nurse practitioner or physician assistant who is licensed to care for patients within his or her scope of practice.

A credentialed physician is a licensed physician who has completed his or her postgraduate medical training and has medical staff privileges at the hospital.

An attending physician is a licensed physician who is primarily responsible for a patient’s care.

A designee is a credentialed physician or caregiver who has been designated to care for a patient, in the absence of the attending physician.

Medical students are individuals enrolled in a program culminating in a degree in medicine.

A resident physician is an individual who is participating in any graduate medical education program.

An intern is an individual who is an advanced student or graduate in medicine gaining supervised practical experience. These individuals are supervised by fully trained individuals.

A patient is an individual who is being treated by a physician in a hospital and includes the patient’s representative or an individual allowed by law to make decisions for the patient who is a minor or who is unable to consent to health care treatment for himself or herself, or both.

Beaufort Memorial Hospital contracts with several physician groups. These independent contractors are the Emergency Department physicians, anesthesiologists, radiologists, pathologists and hospitalists.

The nursing staff works closely with the physicians and others involved in your care. If at any time you have questions, contact your nurse or clinical staff member. The nurse or clinical staff member can contact a physician, clinical supervisor and/or member of administration for you as requested.

LifeFit Wellness ServicesThe LifeFit team provides education, guidance and encouragement to individuals seeking to achieve their health improvement goals. Services include:


Resources

n Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

n LifeFit Nutrition Servicesn LifeFit Wellness Centern Community Health Improvement

Program, including the mobile wellness unit and Baby University. (To schedule the Community Health Improvement Program, including the mobile wellness unit, call 843-522-5568.)

Cardiac Rehabilitation Cardiac rehabilitation is a customized program designed to help you build cardiac strength and recover from a heart attack or heart surgery. Cardiac rehab can help you:n Prevent future hospital stays and

heart problems.n Address risk factors that can lead

to coronary heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, being overweight or obese, diabetes, smoking, lack of physical activity, depression and other emotional health concerns.

n Adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Pulmonary RehabilitationPulmonary rehabilitation is a program that helps to improve the well-being of people with chronic breathing problems. PR will provide you with:n Exercise trainingn Nutritional counselingn Education on your lung disease or

condition and how to manage itn Energy-conserving techniquesn Breathing strategies

n Psychological counseling and/or group support

Call LifeFit Wellness Services at 843-522-5636 for more information on cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation.

Call a doctor if you have any of these symptoms:n Sudden weight gain of more than

three poundsn Trouble sleeping or lying flat n Shortness of breath with usual activities n Swollen abdomen (fullness) n Frequent dry, hacking cough, worse at

night n Dizzy spells n Swelling of ankles, feet, legs, hands n Chest pain or tightness n Unusual tiredness or lack of energy

Key steps to reduce chest pain/heart attack risk: n Lower high blood pressuren Manage diabetesn Reduce high cholesterol n Be physically active every day n Aim for and maintain a healthy weightn Stop smoking n Eat a diet low in fat, cholesterol and saltn If diabetic, eat an ADA diet as

prescribed by your doctor. Check blood sugar often and keep diabetes under control

Call 911 if you have any of these signs & symptoms: n Pressure, fullness, tightness, burning or

squeezing in your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back


n Unexplained upper body discomfort that lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back

n Pain that goes into your shoulders, neck, arms, jaw or back

n Sweating and discomfort in chest n Lightheadedness, faintness, nausea or

shortness of breath

STROKE is an Emergency! Act F.A.S.T.Every Minute Counts!F ace: Ask the person to smile. Does one

side of the face droop?A rms: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask

the person to raise both arms. Does an arm drift downward?

S peech: Is speech slurred? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence? Is the sentence repeated correctly?

T ime: If the person shows any of these symptoms, CALL 9-1-1 immediately!

LifeFit Nutrition Services Providing both inpatient and outpatient services, the dietitians are specially trained in diabetes and risk factor reduction. General patient goals include attaining and maintaining an ideal blood glucose level, developing and following a customized diet and exercise plan, and working through the emotional aspects of diabetes. Certified by the American Diabetes Association.

LifeFit Wellness CenterThe LifeFit Wellness Center is not just a gym. Every LifeFit member is assigned a wellness coach who coordinates a care plan, including an exercise prescription that is

customized for each client. Please visit beaufortmemorial.org for more information on a LifeFit Wellness Membership. For more information on all LifeFit Services, call 843-522-5635.

Baby UniversityBaby University offers a series of childbirth and parenting preparation programs. All classes are free. Call 843-522-5570 to learn more.

Want to quit smoking? n Get ready: Set a quit date and stick

to it. Think about past attempts to quit. Why didn’t they work?

n Get support and encouragement: Tell your family, friends and co-workers you are quitting. Talk to your doctor or other health care provider. Get group, individual or telephone counseling.

n Learn new skills and behaviors: Change your routine. Reduce stress. Distract yourself from urges to smoke. Plan something enjoyable to do each day. Drink lots of water and other fluids.

n Talk to your health care provider about which medication is best for you.

n Be prepared for relapse in difficult situations: Avoid alcohol. Be careful around or avoid other smokers. Improve your mood by other means. Eat a healthy diet and stay active.

For more information on smoking cessation opportunities, call 843-522-5570.


Support GroupsBeaufort Memorial offers support groups for patients and caregivers dealing with cancer. For more information on these groups, visit beaufortmemorial.org. Beaufort Memorial also hosts the Beaufort-Port Royal Parkinson’s Support Group for those with Parkinson’s and their care partners (843-525-1229).

Mental Health ServicesBMH Mental Health Services offers a confidential crisis hotline 24/7. Call 800-922-7844.

Caregiver Resourceswww.acl.govCaregiver resources from the Administration for Community Living

www.caregiving.comOnline support groups and articles on caregiving

Eldercare Locator800-677-1116eldercare.acl.govHelp with locating aging services throughout the U.S.

800-MEDICAREOfficial U.S. government resource for people with Medicare

National Alliance for Caregivingwww.caregiving.orgSupport for family caregivers and the professionals who serve them

Caregiver Action Network202-454-3970www.caregiveraction.org

Good Neighbor Free Medical Clinic of Beaufort843-470-9088www.gnfmcbeaufort.orgPrimary health care services at no cost for low-income, uninsured adults

AccessHealth Lowcountry843-522-5750accesshealthlowcountry.orgAssistance with finding free or reduced-cost services for eligible adults ages 19–64

Resources

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