Preparing to Go Home

Your Medications

You will receive a list of the medications you were given while you were in the hospital. You will also receive a reconciled list of your current medications and those your doctor wants you to continue taking at home. We recommend that you review your medication lists and discard any list that is no longer accurate. If you have any questions ask your doctor.

Discharge Planning

Clinical resource coordinators will assist you with your discharge planning needs. If you need skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, home health care and/or follow-up appointments with local agencies, arrangements can be made by a post-acute service coordinator. If you would like to talk with a clinical resource coordinator, please ask your nurse to help make the arrangements.

Home Health Care

With an order from your physician, Cabell Huntington Hospital can provide a range of services to aid in your transition from the hospital to your home. Skilled nursing care, home health aides, physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, infusion therapy, medical, social work and pharmacy services are provided by our Home Health Department. This service is Medicare- and Medicaid-certified and serves Cabell, Wayne, Lincoln and Putnam counties in West Virginia, Lawrence and Gallia counties in Ohio and Boyd and Greenup counties in Kentucky.

Leaving the Hospital

Cabell Huntington Hospital has a courtesy discharge policy that allows you to leave the hospital directly from your room. There is no need to stop at the Admitting Office unless you have been instructed to do so by a nurse. If you have no insurance, or if your insurance coverage is inadequate, and you did not see the financial counselor at admission time, please call the financial counselor at 304.526.6344 or 304.526.6099.

Safety at Home

1. Make sure you know the name and purpose of each of the medications you will be taking at home.
2. If your doctor gives you a prescription, check to see if you can read the writing. If you cannot, the drug store may not be able to either.
3. Ask when you can resume your normal activities.
4. Make sure you understand how to perform any treatments that may be required at home.
5. If you will be using special medical equipment at home:
   • Use grounded or three-prong plugs for any electrical equipment.
   • Avoid the use of extension cords.
   • Keep oxygen equipment away from flames or heat sources.
   • Never smoke while you are using oxygen or even near oxygen.
   • Never smoke in bed.

About Your Hospital Bill

Your hospital bill reflects all of the services received during your stay. Charges fall into two categories: a basic daily rate and charges for special services. The basic daily rate includes your room, meals, nursing care and housekeeping. Charges for special services include items your physician orders for you, such as X-rays or laboratory tests. If you have certain tests or treatments in the hospital, you may receive bills from physicians you did not see in person. These bills are for professional services rendered by these doctors in diagnosing and interpreting test results while you were a patient. Pathologists, radiologists, cardiologists, anesthesiologists and other specialists perform these services and are required to submit separate bills.

Health Insurance

The hospital will bill your insurance on your behalf and will do everything to expedite your claim. You should remember that your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company, and you have the final responsibility for payment of your hospital bill. We offer several payment options to assist you in paying your bill. Please familiarize yourself with the terms of your insurance coverage. This will help you understand the hospital's billing procedures and charges. If there is a question about your insurance coverage, a financial counselor will contact a member of your family while you are here.

Additional information may be needed to properly process your claims. A copy of your insurance identification card is required. Depending on the extent of your coverage and deductible requirements, you may be asked to pay a deposit. We also may need the insurance forms that are supplied by your employer or the insurance company. You will be asked to assign benefits from the insurance company directly to the hospital. This means the insurance company will pay the hospital directly.

HMO & PPO Members

Your plan may have special requirements, such as a second surgical opinion or pre-certification for certain tests or procedures. It is your responsibility to make sure the requirements of your plan have been met. If your plan's requirements are not followed, you may be financially responsible for all or part of the services rendered in the hospital. Some physician specialists may not participate in your healthcare plan, and their services may not be covered.

Medicare

A copy of your Medicare card is required to verify eligibility and process your Medicare claim. You should be aware that the Medicare program specifically excludes payment for certain items and services, such as cosmetic surgery, some oral surgery procedures, personal comfort items and hearing evaluations. Deductibles and co-payments are also your responsibility.

Medicaid

A copy of your Medicaid card is required. Medicaid also has payment limitations on a number of services and items. Medicaid does not pay for the cost of a private room unless it is medically necessary.

No Insurance/Charity Care Program

A financial counselor will discuss financial arrangements with you. You may call the counselor at 304.526.6344 or 304.526.6099. If you have any questions about your account, please call ext. 2175 or toll free at 1.888.638.8555.