Preparing for Your Hospital Stay

Whether you need care that is routine or complex, you've come to the right place. At The University of Kansas Health System, we are dedicated to providing you with the very best care and services. Our team of experts applies the most advanced technical expertise in a compassionate, friendly environment. Using the latest technology and medical advancements, we work to ensure you receive high-quality, coordinated care.

We are part of an academic health system. This means our physicians, nurses and other professionals work together to provide the highest quality patient care. You will benefit as our interdisciplinary team works together, applying care that is proven to be effective and ensures the best outcomes.

We understand that the time before your hospital stay may be stressful for you and your family. That's why we want to help you prepare for it. We'll help you understand your condition and answer questions about what to expect during your hospital stay and recovery.

Before you're admitted to The University of Kansas Hospital, you'll want to make sure you contact your insurance provider at least 24 hours before your planned check-in time to obtain referrals or authorizations, if required. Many insurance companies have strict guidelines about covered services, where you can receive them and which physicians can provide them. Even though our admissions offices will contact your insurance company, there may be information only you can provide.

Check your insurance coverage. Review our list of accepted insurance plans. 

For check-in, you will need your photo identification, insurance card, prescription card and referral information. Check-in procedures vary based on the location of your hospital stay:

• Main hospital: Admissions is located just off the hospital's main lobby, across from the information desk.
• Cambridge Tower A: Admissions is on the 1st floor.
• Indian Creek Campus hospital: Check in at the registration desk in the main lobby. Admissions will call your name when they are ready to check you in.
• KU MedWest: Register at the front desk when you arrive. Although this is not an inpatient location, the check-in process is similar for procedures provided here. 

Emergency admissions or admission from outpatient clinics

We will complete your admission paperwork in the Emergency Department, or a staff member will come to your room to complete it. We may also ask one of your family members or a friend to go to Admissions.

If you're coming to the hospital from your physician's office, come to Admissions first to complete your paperwork. If you're unable to do so, an Admissions staff member will come to your room.

Protecting your privacy

When you are admitted, we will assign you a four-digit privacy code. We will share information about your condition only with callers who have your code. Share your code only with family members and friends you want to have information about your condition.

All patients are listed in the health system patient directory, unless they ask not to be. The directory includes your name and room number and is used by our staff to direct visitors or callers who ask for you by name. If you do not want people to know you're in the hospital, we will not list you in the directory.

During your stay, registered dietitians from the health system will oversee your nutritional care. We can make a variety of accommodations based on your dietary needs.

• Contact your dietitian (913-588-7681) or nurse if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.
• Meals to meet religious or ethnic needs can be prepared for you during your stay. We simply need advanced notice.

To ensure your safety, check with your dietitian or nurse before eating any food or snacks other than those provided by our nutritional services.

For your loved ones, we offer a variety of dining options while they're staying with you.

We want to make sure your discharge from the hospital is easy for you and that all your questions have been answered. Your care team will work with you to create a safe discharge plan and answer your questions.

Our discharge team consists of a social worker and a nurse case manager. They are committed to helping you and your family members with many different types of needs during your hospital stay and through discharge. Please do not hesitate to contact them with any questions.

Physicians, nurses, therapists and other medical professionals may also provide essential care and advice. These team members will make recommendations for care following your hospital stay and help you find the resources you need for your continued well-being.

Personal items

Remember to take home any personal items from your room, as well as any items you may have stored in the Admissions office safe. To retrieve these, call Admissions at 913-588-5807.

Medications

If you are being sent home with a prescription, you may choose to have it filled at our pharmacy, located near the main hospital's lobby, or at any of our other conveniently located pharmacies. We encourage you to consider this option if you will need medications while traveling home. Later, if you wish, you can have your prescriptions transferred to a pharmacy closer to home.

If you are using one of our pharmacies, you will need to have your prescription insurance information ready at pickup. Depending on your insurance, you may need to pay the copayment or full cost of your prescriptions. For your convenience, our pharmacies accept MasterCard, Visa and Discover.