Tests, procedures, surgery and referral to specialists
If your treatment requires
diagnostic tests, surgery or an appointment with a physician
specialist, we can help with the details. Listed below are answers to some common
questions that may help you prepare for your appointment, test or
procedure.
How is my procedure or
appointment scheduled?
If your Network physician refers you to a
specialist or for a test or procedure, a referral nurse will make your
appointment and notify you by phone – usually within 24 hours. The nurse
will give you the time and date of your appointment, the name of the
doctor you are going to see (if you’re seeing a specialist), office
location, directions, a contact number and any special instructions you
will need to prepare for your appointment. You will also receive a
written confirmation by mail.
If there are specific times you will be
unavailable for appointments, make sure you give that information to
your Network physician. The referral nurse can then take those times
into consideration when making your appointment. Every effort is made to
set your appointment within the shortest timeframe possible.
If for some reason you don’t hear from the
referral nurse within two working days, call the referral hotline at
405-936-5424 to determine the status of your referral.
What information will I
need to provide or bring?
There are some things you should bring to
any appointment, no matter what kind of test or procedure is being
performed:
-
Your drivers license or another form
of identification
-
Your insurance cards, both primary and
secondary, if you have insurance
-
A list of current medications,
including drug name, dose and frequency
Other items you need to bring will vary
depending on the type of appointment, procedure or test. The referral
nurse will give you instructions when you are notified of your
appointment time. Some of the other items you may be asked to provide
could include:
-
Radiology films (X-rays, mammograms,
etc.) If these films come from Mercy, you can get them from
Radiology, located on the first floor of the hospital. Call
405-752-3734 to order these films. If your films are at
another facility, call that facility and ask for the radiology film
room to make your request.
Your Network physician will send any
necessary medical records to the specialist before your appointment.
After you see the specialist, a report will be sent to your Network
physician.
I’m seeing a specialist.
When should I plan to get to my appointment?
In most cases, plan to arrive 10 to 15
minutes before your scheduled appointment so you can complete new
patient paperwork. If your appointment is scheduled several weeks out
and time permits, you may receive a packet of paperwork by mail. You can
then complete the paperwork at home and bring it to your scheduled
appointment.
I'm having a diagnostic test or
procedure.
What do I do to get ready,
where do I go and when should I get there?
The referral nurse will give you all the
information you need.
Some tests and procedures require “prep” –
a preparation you must do at home before you come to the hospital. If a
“prep” is needed for your test or procedure, the referral nurse will
give you these instructions. It is important that you follow these
instructions; otherwise your test, procedure or exam could be delayed
or cancelled.
The referral nurse will also tell you what
time to be at the hospital. This arrival time will allow for a
little paperwork and the check-in process. For easiest access, use the
patient entrance on the north side of the
main hospital. For your convenience, complimentary valet
parking is available at this entrance.
Check in at the patient
registration/admitting area. A registration clerk will collect your
medical and insurance information. In addition, you will be asked to
sign a “consent to treat” form and will be given a copy of that form,
along with a “patient’s bill of rights” statement and a privacy
brochure. You also will be given an order form to take with you to the
department conducting the procedure. A volunteer will escort you to the
area where your test or procedure will be performed. Your name will be
called when it’s time for your procedure or test.
I’d like to learn more
about my specific procedure or referral.
Your Network physician will explain the
procedure or test. Additional information is available on
this website. Just click on “Health Information.”
Prior to your procedure or test, a nurse
or technician will explain every step of the procedure to make sure you
are comfortable and kept informed.
What happens after my test
or procedure?
A report containing test results will be
compiled and sent to your Network physician, usually within 48 hours of
your appointment. Your physician or Network nurse will contact you with
the results as soon as possible and give you instructions about your
treatment plan, if needed. You will also be instructed on when to see
your Network physician again for follow-up.
I'm having day surgery.
What do I do to get ready,
where do I go and when should I get there?
A Mercy nurse will contact you by phone
and obtain a brief health history so your physicians have the most
up-to-date information to care for you.
-
Follow all instructions about when to
take your medication and discontinue food and liquid intake before
surgery.
-
Leave all non-essential personal
belongings and valuables (including rings and other jewelry) at
home.
-
Follow all of your physician's
specific orders before surgery.
-
Plan to have someone drive you home
the day of your surgery. You will not be able to drive due to
medications given during your procedure.
The Mercy nurse will also tell you what
time to be at the hospital. This arrival time will allow for a
little paperwork and the check-in process. For easiest access, use the
day surgery entrance on the northwest side of the
main hospital.
When you arrive, check in with the Mercy
hostess. Your name will be called when it’s time for your procedure or
test. After your surgery, your surgeon will meet with your family and
you will receive instructions and other pertinent information needed for
your recovery at home.
What about my bill?
In addition to the bill from your Network
physician, you will receive a separate bill from the facility where your
procedure was done. Additional services such as radiologist,
anesthesiologists, or surgical services also may be billed separately.
|
