Hospital Information - Patient Guide

Admission

As you check-in to our hospital, you will be welcomed by an admitting clerk who will obtain patient and insurance information in addition to securing the required signatures on consent forms. The questions asked are necessary for our records and legal prerequisites. If you are the holder of private commercial insurance, we ask that you present a copy of your insurance identification card to the admitting clerk.

Patients being admitted under the provisions of Medicare and Medicaid should present their health insurance cards or coupons. It is the patient's responsibility to pre-authorize their hospital admission with their insurance company prior to admission. Your physician will make all of the necessary arrangements for treatment while you are in our care.

Accommodations

We wish to make your stay as comfortable as possible at Samaritan Hospital. We offer a choice of accommodations and will do our utmost to honor your preferences. For your convenience, we have a safe for the keeping of your valuables.

Financial Arrangements

There are some payments that may be required from you at the time services are provided, such as insurance deductibles, co-pays and payment for services not covered by insurance.  As part of your hospital service, we will submit a claim to your insurance company or entitlement program for your care. After your claim has been paid, or if your insurance company does not reimburse the hospital in a timely manner, the balance of the account becomes your responsibility.

Your hospitalization coverage is an agreement between your insurance company and yourself. Hospital personnel will fully cooperate in expediting your insurance claims. However, you are ultimately responsible for the resolution of your hospital accounts.

If you have limited or no insurance coverage, we encourage you to contact the Business Office at (660) 385-8700 as soon as possible so that we can assist you in making payment arrangements.

Procedure Price Estimate

To receive a price estimate for a particular procedure performed at Samaritan Hospital, please contact the billing office at 660-385-8700.

Visitation Guidelines

Part of your emotional well-being and recovery may include visits from family and friends. As these visitors are guests in the hospital, we ask that they observe the guidelines of the nursing department they are visiting. Visiting hours are until 8 pm.

Compassionate Care Visitation Guideline from DHSS

Tobacco-Free Campus

Samaritan Hospital has implemented a tobacco-free policy. There are no exceptions to this policy including cigarettes, pipes, smokeless tobacco, and cigars. This includes all buildings, parking lots, and walkways on the entire campus. Thank you for respecting this regulation.

Chapel

For the spiritual needs of our patients and visitors, the Chapel is located on the first floor just off the main hallway near the gift shop.

Dietary Services

The dining room serves breakfast from 7:00am-8:00am; lunch from 11:30am - 1:00pm; and dinner from 5:30pm-6:00pm. Coffee, tea, lemonade and water are free of charge to the public. The cafeteria is located on the first floor of the hospital.

Safety and Security

Periodically, the hospital practices emergency drills. The type of drill and location are announced overhead. During a fire drill, all main doors will automatically close and your patient room door will be closed by a member of the nursing staff. In the event of real emergency, all necessary precautions will be taken to ensure the safety of our patients and visitors.

Social Services/Discharge Planning

The Social Services/Discharge Planning Department is available to assist you in assessing discharge needs and making referrals to agencies specializing in home health services. They can assist in obtaining medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, and oxygen. Post-discharge visits can be made to assist with unexpected needs. This department also offers information regarding financial assistance and bereavement counseling. Please contact Social Services/Discharge Planning at (660) 385-8729.

Surgery and Anesthesia

The most recent technologies have enhanced the surgical and anesthesia services. The benefits the patient receives are shorter hospital stays, less discomfort, and a more rapid return to normal activities. Physicians, Surgeons, and Surgical nurses trained in a variety of specialties can meet the needs of our patients through Samaritan’s well equipped Surgery Department. Following the surgical procedure, the patient is transferred to the recovery room for vital monitoring prior to being returned to his/her hospital room.