stethoscope-and-checklist-300x225Before your stay at Swift County – Benson Health Services, we want you to be prepared.

Here are some things to think about and questions to ask:

Ask your doctor about your care.

  • What will happen during my treatment?
  • How long will I stay in the hospital?
  • Who will be in charge of my care while I am in the hospital?
  • How will pain be managed?
  • Do I need to stop any medicines before the surgery?
  • Can I meet with the surgeon ahead of time?
  • Can I meet with the anesthesiologist ahead of time?

Ask your doctor about your care after you are discharged.

  • How long will it take to recover once I am home?
  • How much help will I need?
  • Will I need to stay in a nursing or rehabilitation facility before I go home?
  • If yes, can I choose where to go?
  • How can I arrange to see a discharge planner at the hospital, to help me plan for my needs at home?

Call your health plan and ask about your costs and benefits.

  • Is there a hospital deductible? If so, what is it?
  • What is the co-pay or co-insurance?

Choose someone to be your spokesperson and advocate.

  • Tell the hospital who this person is.

Preparing for Surgery

Important things to bring to the hospital with you.

  1. Insurance cards:  Bring your health insurance and prescription cards.
  2. List of medicines:  Bring a list of the prescription and non-prescription medicines and vitamin supplements you are taking, including the name, dosage and concentration.  Note! If you are staying overnight in the hospital, bring medicines with you so that we can identify name, dosage and concentration. However, in most cases, you will not be able to use these prescription or non-prescription medicines, or herbal or vitamin supplements that you bring from home.
  3. ATM card or cash:  The cafeteria accepts cash and personal checks as payment. Credit and debit cards are not accepted.
  4. Clothing:  You may feel better in your own clothes, including:
    • Comfortable day clothes like sweat pants, large t-shirts, socks and underwear
    • Night clothes like pajamas, a robe and slippers.
  5. Comfort items:  A favorite blanket, book, video or music (with headphones) will help soothe you. Consider bringing pictures of family, friends and pets.