Questions that Patients Frequently Ask

Here are answers to frequently asked questions:

What is the difference between a Case Manager and a Social Worker? What can I expect from each and how do I request their services?

Social workers are available to help you and your family cope with the practical and emotional consequences of your illness or condition.

Nurse Case Managers work closely with your coordinating physician, social worker or other hospital staff to assist in making arrangements for your transition home or to the next level of your continuing care, such as an extended-care facility. They can help you obtain supplies you may need when you leave the hospital.

Are all rooms equipped with TVs? How are they paid for?

Yes, all rooms have television. They may be hooked up at a patient's or family member's request and paid for by cash or credit card. As of December 1, 2011, TV-only service (50+ cable channels) is $6 per day. Premium telephone and bedside computer/entertainment service (phone, TV, Internet, movies and informational videos) is $10 per day.

What food does the hospital provide?

The Food and Nutrition Department strives to provide attractive, nutritionally sound meals that follow the diet your physician prescribes. Our dietitian is available to help you understand your specific diet.

In addition, there is an alternative menu available. If you would like to see the menu, ask the dietician or the hospitality representative. They will check for you if there is something specific you would like.

Visitors may purchase food in the cafeteria on the Ground floor or from vending machines located next to the cafeteria. In addition, guest meals may be purchased by calling extension 3974.

What is allowed with food? Can patient visitors bring food to the room? Eat in the room with the patient?

Visitors must check with the nurse before giving any food to a patient, since some patients have restricted diets either to accommodate a health condition or to prepare for a medical test. Visitors are welcome to bring food; however, there is no refrigerator available in which to store it. Whatever is not eaten right away must be sent home with your visitors or discarded.

What are the different doctor roles? What is a hospitalist?

If you are admitted to the hospital under the care of a private physician, s/he will write orders for you while you are hospitalized. If you do not have a private physician, a medical doctor who is an employee of Phelps, called a hospitalist, will be
assigned to your care. In some cases, your private physician will choose to have a hospitalist manage your care.

What can I do if my roommate has too many visitors?

Rest is vital to healing. If you find yourself disturbed by a crowded room, you may call hospitality and ask the representative to intervene.

What can I do if my roommate's TV is too loud?

There are headsets available for the TV. You may ask a hospitality representative to provide your roommate with a headset. In addition, headsets are available for you to block noise.

Will my cell phone work?

Cell phones will work in many areas of the hospital; however, we ask that you not use cell phones in Telemetry, Critical Care, the Operating Room, Post Anesthesia Care Unit, Labor and Delivery or the Nursery because the phone may interfere with medical devices and equipment. You may use your phone in the solariums, which are located off the elevator lobbies on the 2nd, 3rd and 5th floors.

May I use my laptop?

Wireless Internet access is available throughout the hospital. To connect, select PMH guest and accept Terms of Use Agreement.

When do doctors come in?

Private physicians arrange their own schedules. Ask a nurse or have a family member phone the physician. For hospitalists, check with the nurse for the schedule.

What does Hospitality at the hospital mean?

Phelps Hospitality Representatives visit patients many times each day, offering individualized attention, emotional support, a listening ear and whatever they can to ensure a patient's stay is as comfortable as possible. They take requests for meals and coordinate with the dietician for special requests.

What kind of reading material is available?

There are magazines and newspapers available in the first floor gift shop. The volunteer office has books of all kinds and donated magazines in English and Spanish.

How do I get home?

Discharged patients may be taken home by family or friends. If an ambulance or ambulette is needed, the case manager may be able to assist.

<< Return to Previous Page