Patient Guide–English
General Information
Your Admission
We try to make your admission to the hospital as easy as we can. In the admitting
office, you will be asked to fill out and sign some consent forms. These will become
part of your medical record.
Valuables
You need to bring only a few items for your stay in the hospital: books,
magazines, toothbrush, toothpaste, cosmetics, comb, brush, slippers, robe, personal
toilet articles, shampoo/deodorant.
Hospital gowns are available, but you may also wear your own pajamas or sleepwear.
Please leave your jewelry, money, credit cards and anything of value at home. We
also ask that you leave your medicines at home or send them home with a family member.
Saint Peter's University Hospital is not responsible for your property, including
your eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures or other personal items. Please keep them
in a safe place.
For safety reasons, you are not allowed to bring your own electrical appliances
to the hospital.
Patient Transfers
If you ask to be moved to another bed or room and your doctor or nurse
does not feel that the move is medically needed, you will need to pay a fee before
the move. The fee covers the cost of changing all your records, medication labels
and linens. Many different departments will also need to be notified of your new
location. This fee is paid at the Cashier's Office. If the move is for a medical
reason, you will not be charged.
Smoking
Saint Peter's is a smoke-free hospital. There is no smoking in any building.
Your cooperation is appreciated.
Mail
Mail is delivered once a day. Any mail that comes for you after your discharge
will be sent to your home address.
Gratuities
Saint Peter's staff and volunteers are here to serve you. The important
little extras they provide are part of their job. Gratuities or tips are not permitted.
Special Services While You Are Here
Patient Representative
Our patient representative is available to assist you with any questions, concerns
and needs that may arise during your stay at Saint Peter's. The representative can
be reached at ext. 8114 or through the hospital operator, weekdays from 7:30 a.m.
to 4 p.m.
Telephone Service
To have your telephone turned on, please dial ext. 8865. There is a daily charge
for basic telephone service. This charge includes all local calls. You will also
be charged for any toll, long-distance or directory assistance calls you make.
Payment options are:
- Billing to your home telephone account
- Billing to your credit card
- Payment of cash in advance
To make a call outside the hospital, please dial (9) and then the number you want.
Local calls: Dial (9) + telephone number
Long distance within 732 area code: Dial (9) + telephone number
Long distance outside 732 area code: Dial (9) + 1 + area code + telephone number
Credit card, collect, or third-party calls: Dial (4) + (0) + telephone number
Special low-cost long-distance service: Charges for toll and long-distance calls
depend on time of day, distance and length of call. All calls will be charged at
least 10% below AT&T surcharge rates.
Important: You are responsible for all the telephone charges from your telephone
from the time you have it turned on until you have it turned off. If you are going
to be moved to another room or discharged, call telephone service at ext. 8865 to
have the phone transferred or turned off.
Television Service
TV service at Saint Peter's University Hospital is supplied by Television Rental
Company. You can rent a TV daily. A company representative will ask you to pay in
advance, but you do not have to pay on the first day to have it turned on.
- To rent a TV or to have it turned off, call ext. 8859.
- The TV will be turned on for the first time by a company representative.
- Patient television is on Channels 3, 8 and 17
- Mass is televised on Channel 6:
- Monday through Friday, noon
- Eve of Holy Day, 4 p.m.
- Saturday, noon & 4 p.m.
- Sunday, noon
Food and Nutrition Services
Our nutritionists, along with the entire Food and Nutrition staff, work together
to serve you appetizing, nutritious and therapeutically correct meals for your dining
pleasure. On admission, your physician prescribes your diet. Upon receiving this
order, the Food and Nutrition Department will provide you with the menu most appropriate
for your diet. This will be delivered to you every morning on your breakfast tray.
Be sure your menu is filled out completely. If you need assistance with your selection,
please tell your nutritionist. Your menu will be reviewed and, if necessary, modified
by our staff in accordance with your diet order.
Meal Service
Breakfast 7 a.m.–8:45 a.m.
Luncheon 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Dinner 4 p.m.–5:45 p.m.
Group nutrition classes are offered on the following topics:
- Nutrition and Diabetes
- Diet and Heart Disease
- Infant Feeding
As applicable, you and your family members/guests are encouraged to attend these
classes. Ask your nutritionist for the day and time. Otherwise, if you are on a
modified diet, your nutritionist will be counseling you on this during your stay
with us.
Food Services Aides
For your safety as well as for sanitary purposes, the nutrition aides who
serve your trays handle only food trays during the meal service. These employees
will be wearing aprons and may be identified by their name tags. The nursing personnel
will adjust your tray or your bed and make you ready and comfortable for your meal.
Our hostess will visit you for any additional assistance you may need.
Food from Home
If a family member or any visitor brings you food items, please check with
the nurse before eating them.
Pastoral Care
The chaplains of the Pastoral Care Department are professionals, educated and certified
to offer spiritual and emotional support to people of all faiths. We will:
- Visit you on admission and be available to you during your stay
- Contact your minister, priest or rabbi, if you request
- Offer prayer, sacraments and other spiritual support
- Distribute Holy Communion daily, if you request
- Provide support with making difficult decisions, if needed
- Assist with completion of your advance directive
- Hold mass service daily
A Pastoral Care professional is available 24 hours a day. If you would like to speak
to someone from this department, call ext. 8565. You may also call the operator
to have a Pastoral Care chaplain paged. The chapel is located on the third floor
of the main hospital. It is always open for quiet prayer or reflection. Chapel services
and inspirational programs can be seen on the free Pastoral Care television programming
on Channel 6 in your room.
Payment and Insurance
Saint Peter's University Hospital is a nonprofit facility that is operated mainly
on income from patient care. Unlike commercial enterprises, which may have large
profit reserves and may assess interest or carrying charges for delays in payments,
we depend upon prompt payment of bills by patients as well as by insurance companies.
This money enables us to meet our payroll for employees who make your care possible
and to pay for food, drugs, medical and surgical supplies, and service.
Those patients who are elective admissions to Saint Peter's are contacted several
days prior to their arrival and financial arrangements are discussed. Patients with
health care insurance must present their identification cards at the time of admission.
Holders of commercial hospital insurance and members of health maintenance organizations
must bring in their hospitalization insurance information. If your employer requires
a special hospitalization form, this must also be presented and properly filled
out. If your insurance company requires precertification, you are responsible for
obtaining this before admission.
Insurance benefits are to be assigned to the hospital. Saint Peter's University
Hospital will accept insurance only if we can verify that your policy is in force
and that the benefits are assignable to the hospital. If you have insurance that
does not cover the complete cost of your hospitalization, you will be required to
pay the difference upon discharge or upon the receipt of your bill.
Deposits
If you do not have health care insurance coverage, you will be required to pay an
$800 deposit prior to or upon admission. If you do have health care insurance coverage
but are responsible for paying co-payments and/or deductibles, you will be required
to pay these amounts prior to or upon admission. Payment for your complete hospital
stay will be due upon receipt of your bill. If there are financial difficulties
that may make the deposit or full payment impossible, contact the Business Office
as soon as possible so that together we can arrange a payment schedule or determine
if you qualify for Free Care or Reduced Charges (see below).
Billing
Your hospitalization coverage is a contract between you and your insurance company.
You are responsible for your hospital account. Payment for personal items and/or
private room charge, etc., must be paid upon discharge.
After billing we will be in touch with your insurance company if there appears to
be any problem in processing the claim. However, after a reasonable length of time
(approximately 45 days), we will look to the patient for payment, and the subscriber
may seek restitution from the insurance company.
If you or your family have any questions concerning your hospital bill, you may
call a billing service representative in our Business Office at ext. 8550. Representatives
are specially trained in all phases of insurance and can assist you with financial
arrangements, which should be made before you are discharged.
Free Care or Reduced Charges (Charity Care)
Saint Peter's University Hospital provides Free Care or Reduced Charges to patients
who qualify, without respect to race, color, national origin, creed or any other
grounds unrelated to an individual's medical need for service.
Please contact our financial counselors at ext. 7801 to set up a financial screening
appointment. An interpreter is available through the Business Office for Spanish-speaking
people during the week, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., to arrange for a
financial screening. An interpreter for languages other than Spanish is available
through the Human Resources Dept. at ext. 8513.
Appeals for refusal of Free Care or Reduced Charges should be directed to the Chief
Financial Officer (CFO).
Other Important Billing Information
Your bill does not include your attending physician's fees or fees for the services
of various specialists such as radiologists, anesthesiologists, pathologists, cardiologists,
psychiatrists and emergency room physicians. Charges under these categories on your
hospital bill cover the use of facilities, the time of medical center personnel
and the use of equipment but do not cover the related physician fees. You will be
billed separately by the physician for these fees.
Medical Necessity
Saint Peter's University Hospital is required to comply with state and
federal laws, which state that all hospital admissions are subject to review by
a Healthcare Quality Strategies, Inc. (HQSI).
The review activity in Saint Peter's is the responsibility of the Healthcare Quality
Strategies, Inc., which has been designated as the PRO for the entire state.
This program represents the efforts of local physicians working together to ensure
that your admission and continued stay in the hospital are medically necessary and
that the quality of services rendered to you meet professionally recognized standards
of care.
If it is determined that your condition does not require inpatient acute hospital
care, you will receive a written notice to that effect. If this occurs, your insurance
program will discontinue payment for the hospital services on the effective date
stated in the notice. Any hospital stay beyond the notification letter will not
be covered by health insurance, and you will be financially responsible for any
additional time in the hospital. Be assured that a decision regarding termination
of benefits will be made only after a conference between your doctor and a member
of the hospital review committee.
Your insurance carrier may also review the medical necessity for your hospitalization
and authorize benefits based on the specific terms of your coverage.
Early planning for discharge is important and beneficial to you and can help to
prevent a denial of health insurance coverage. Saint Peter's Social Work Discharge
Planning Department, in cooperation with you and your physician, will readily assist
you and your family in arranging a good plan of care to meet your needs after you
leave the hospital.
Saint Peter's University Hospital hopes that by increasing your awareness of the
limitations of insurance coverage, we can help protect your hospital benefits and
prevent any unnecessary hospital bills.
Patient Satisfaction Survey
Soon after you return home from Saint Peter's University Hospital, you will receive
a survey from us asking about your stay here. We would appreciate it if you would
take a few moments to fill in the survey and return it to us.
Your comments are very important to us. We are always trying to improve our service.
Thank you for helping us to help you.
Visiting Hours
Two visitors per patient on all units.
Children must be with an adult at all times.
Medical-Surgical Units
1 p.m.–8 p.m. weekdays
11 a.m.–8 p.m. weekends only
Critical Care Units
10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Please ask the charge nurse on the unit about visits by children.
Pediatric Unit
1 p.m.–8 p.m.
One parent may stay at bedside anytime.
Brothers and sisters may visit after 1 p.m.
Pediatric Enhanced Care Unit (PECU)
One parent may stay at bedside anytime.
Only two visitors at a time.
Visitors will be asked to wait outside during medical/nursing rounds.
Postpartum and High-Risk Perinatal Units
1 p.m.–8 p.m.
Two visitors at a time.
No visitors under 16 years of age unless brothers/sisters of the baby.
Fathers/Support People with ID Bands
7 a.m.–10 p.m.
Brothers/Sisters of Newborn
9 a.m.–1 p.m. with father or support person
1 p.m. - 8 p.m. with an adult
Transitional Care Unit
8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Please do not visit the hospital if you have a cold or other illness. Check with
the nurse before bringing any food or drink for the patient. Check with the nurse
before adjusting the bed or any equipment in the room. Thank you for your cooperation.
Patient Rights and Responsibilities
As a patient in Saint Peter's University Hospital, you have the following rights
(under state law and regulations):
Medical Care
To receive the care and health services that the hospital is required by law to
provide.
To receive an understandable explanation from your physician of your complete medical
condition, recommended treatment, expected results, risks involved and reasonable
medical alternatives. If your physician believes that some of this information would
be detrimental to your health or beyond your ability to understand, the explanation
must be given to your next of kin or guardian.
To give informed, written consent prior to the start of specified, nonemergency
medical procedures or treatments. Your physician should explain to you–in
words you understand–specific details about the recommended procedures or
treatment, any risks involved, time required for recovery, and any reasonable medical
alternatives.
To refuse medication and treatment after possible consequences of this decision
have been explained clearly to you, unless the situation is life-threatening or
the procedure is required by law.
To be included in experimental research only if you give informed, written consent.
You have the right to refuse to participate.
Communication and Information
To be informed of the names and functions of all health care professionals providing
you with personal care.
To receive, as soon as possible, the services of a translator or interpreter if
you need one to help you communicate with the hospital’s health care personnel.
To be informed of the names and functions of any outside health care and educational
institutions involved in your treatment. You may refuse to allow their participation.
To receive, upon request, the hospital’s written policies and procedures regarding
lifesaving methods and the use or withdrawal of life-support mechanisms.
To be advised in writing of the hospital’s rules regarding the conduct of patients
and visitors.
To receive a summary of your patient rights that includes the name and phone number
of the hospital staff member whom you can ask questions or complain to about any
possible violation of your rights.
Privacy and Confidentiality
To have physical privacy during medical treatment and personal hygiene functions,
unless you need assistance.
To confidential treatment of information about you. Information in your records
will not be released to anyone outside the hospital without your approval, unless
it is required by law.
Legal Rights
To treatment and medical services without discrimination based on age, religion,
national origin, sex, sexual preferences, handicap, diagnosis, ability to pay or
source of payment.
To exercise all your constitutional, civil and legal rights.
Questions and Complaints
To present questions or grievances to a designated hospital staff member and to
receive a response in a reasonable period of time.
If you have concerns about patient care or safety in the hospital that are not resolved,
you are encouraged to contact the hospital’s administration.
If the concern remains unresolved, you may contact The Joint Commission by calling
1 (800) 994-6610 or e-mailing
complaint@jointcommission.org.
The hospital must also provide you with the address and telephone number of the
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services agency that handles questions
and complaints. You may directly contact the New Jersey Department of Health and
Senior Services Complaint Hotline at 1 (800) 792-9770.
This list of Patient Rights is an abbreviated summary of the current New Jersey
law and regulations governing the rights of hospital patients. For more complete
information, consult the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services regulations
at N.J.A.C.8:43G-4 or Public Law 1989-Chapter 170, available through your hospital.
Medical Records
To have prompt access to the information in your medical record. If your physician
feels that this access is detrimental to your health, your next of kin or guardian
has a right to see your record.
To obtain a copy of your medical record, at a reasonable fee, within 30 days after
a written request to the hospital.
Cost of Hospital Care
To receive a copy of the hospital payment rates. If you request an itemized bill,
the hospital must provide one and respond to any questions you may have. You have
a right to appeal any charges.
To be informed by the hospital if part or all of your bill will not be covered by
insurance. The hospital is required to help you obtain any public assistance and
private health care benefits to which you may be entitled.
Discharge Planning
To receive information and assistance from your attending physician and other health
care providers if you need to arrange for continuing health care after your discharge
from the hospital.
To receive sufficient time before discharge to arrange for continuing health care
needs.
To be informed by the hospital about any appeal process to which you are entitled
by law if you disagree with the hospital's discharge plans.
Transfers
To be transferred to another facility only when you or your family has made the
request or in instances where the transferring hospital is unable to provide you
with the care you need.
To receive an advance explanation from a physician of the reasons for your transfer
and possible alternatives.
Personal Needs
To be treated with courtesy, consideration, and respect for your dignity and individuality.
To have access to storage space in your room for private use. The hospital must
also have a system to safeguard your personal property.
Freedom from Abuse and Restraints
To be free from physical and mental abuse.
To be free from restraints, unless they are authorized by a physician for a limited
period of time to protect the safety of you or others.
Private Duty Nursing Services
To contract directly with a New Jersey-licensed, registered professional nurse of
the patient's choosing for private professional nursing care during his or her hospitalization.
The hospital, upon request, shall provide the patient or designee with a list of
local nonprofit professional nurses association registries that refer nurses for
private professional nursing care.
Patient Responsibilities
While you are a patient in Saint Peter's University Hospital, you have the responsibility
to:
- Provide accurate information about past medical history
- Cooperate with hospital personnel
- Ask questions if directions or procedures are not clearly understood
- Be considerate of other patients
- Assist in control of noise and the number of visitors
- Provide information for processing of hospital bills and for any charges not covered
by insurance
- Respect hospital property and that of other patients
- Adhere to the "no smoking" policy of the hospital
Individuals shall be accorded impartial access to treatment or accommodations regardless
of race, creed, sex, handicap, national origin or sources of payment for care.
E-mail this link
Print this page