Going Home

Your physician determines when you are ready to be discharged. Your physician and nurse will give you discharge instructions and answer any questions you have about managing your treatment and medications once you are home. If you are confused or unsure about what you need to do, what medications you must take or if you have to restrict your diet or activities, don’t be afraid to ask and take notes. Be sure you understand any instructions you have been given before you leave the hospital.

When your doctor feels that you are ready to leave the hospital, he or she will authorize a hospital discharge. Please speak with your nurse about our discharge procedures.

Here are a few tips to make the discharge process run smoothly:

• Be sure you and/or your caregiver has spoken with a discharge planner
  and that you understand what services you may need after leaving the
  hospital.
• Verify your discharge date and time with your nurse or doctor.
• Have someone available to pick you up.
• Check your room, bathroom, closet and bedside table carefully for any personal items. UNC Health Southeastern cannot be responsible for any articles left behind.
• Retrieve any valuables you have stored in the hospital safe.
• Make sure you or your caregiver has all necessary paperwork for billing,
  referrals, prescriptions, etc.

Wheelchair transportation from your room to the discharge area will be provided for all patients.

Consumer health information

If you need more information about your condition after you leave the hospital, contact the Community Health Education Center (CHEC) in Biggs Park Mall. This service is free and offers information in a wide variety of formats in both English and Spanish. Drop by or call (910) 671–9393.
Support groups

UNC Health Southeastern either hosts or sponsors meetings of several support groups at the Medical Center and its affiliates. For a free brochure, please call Public Relations at (910) 671-5499 or in-house Ext. 5499 or check the calendar of events.

About your Bill

Your hospital bill will not include charges for private duty nurses or sitters that may be requested by the family or the patient. All professional service fees by your physician, pathologist, anesthesiologist, radiologist, or other consulting physicians will be billed to you by those health care providers individually. Should you have questions regarding SRMC charges and/or your available insurance coverage, Internet access to your account, or paying your bill online.

Please call Customer Service at (910) 671 5047 or in-house Ext. 5047 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our promise: GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE, and we welcome the opportunity to assist you.

Click here to pay your bill online

Insurance

At the time of admission or pre-admission, you will be asked to present your insurance company information. Most insurance companies provide the insured with an insurance card that identifies the company name, group number, plan number, and patient identification number. Your insurance company will be notified that you are a patient at UNC Health Southeastern, and your health care benefits will be verified and approved by pre-certification, when necessary.

If You Have No Insurance

A representative of the Benefit Advisory staff will discuss financial arrangements with you. You also may speak with a hospital representative from the Social Services department to assist you in applying for Medicaid or other government-assisted programs. Please call ext. 5037 for more information.

Financial Arrangement

All patient charges not covered by individual health care insurance benefits, are due and payable at the time of registration by check, money order, cash, or credit card. Should you need financial assistance through available state and federal programs, please call (910) 671-5037 or in-house Ext. 5037 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. An appointment can be made for you to meet with the Benefit Advisory staff in order to make application for financial assistance to determine if you qualify.

Hospital Statement

You will be receiving statements regarding your hospital stay within 30 days of leaving the hospital. You will be informed that we have either billed your insurance company or are expecting payment from you for any outstanding charges. You may elect to receive your statements by mail or secure email via the Internet. When paying your bill, you may elect to pay the amount due through BillPay, our online payment service.