With an emphasis on home-based care and prevention of complications, the majority of patient evaluation and treatment will occur on an outpatient basis. But there may be occasions when you or your child will require admission to the hospital. Sometimes patients are admitted for planned procedures such as placements of venous access lines or for surgeries. Patients who have procedures not specifically related to their blood disorder can be at increased risk for bleeding or clotting and need our intervention.  Whenever possible, reasonable attempts will be made to plan the dates of admission in advance. Unexpected trauma or other complications may result in admission with little advance warning.

Before inpatient admission procedures, make sure you understand:

• The purpose of the admission
• What treatment is required and why
• How long you may be in the hospital
• How your activities of daily living will be affected after discharge
• What help you might need from others after discharge
• What medicines or treatment you might need after discharge
• What information your insurance may need to approve the admission in advance of check-in

When you check in, bring to the hospital

• Photo identification (for adult patients or legal guardians of pediatric patients)
• Insurance card and related information
• Sleepwear
• Personal toiletries (toothbrush, lotions, etc.)
• Comfortable clothing to wear home
• Money for newspapers (no more than $10)
• Assistive devices (your walker, for example)
• A list of your prescriptions (ask your nurse if you should bring medicines)
• A list of allergies and dates of past surgeries or hospital admissions
• Copies of legal documents related to patient care such as living wills or power of attorney, if applicable.

Please do not bring:

• Valuables (more than $10 cash, jewelry, credit cards, checkbooks, etc.). If you must bring them, please arrange to have them deposited in the hospital safe.
• Personal electronics (hair dryers, curling irons, electric shavers, heating pads, televisions, radios or cell phones).

Hospital admission procedures

Please discuss admission planning with your nurse. Generally, to check into the hospital, you should go to the fourth floor of the Atrium Building Lobby, located at 1650 W. Harrison St., across the street from the parking garage. Go to the admitting and registration department on the fourth floor. The attendant will ask you to sign a form allowing Rush to release admission information to your insurance company, Medicaid or Medicare.

Insurance issues for hospital admissions

Please know that most insurance companies require you to inform them about a planned hospitalization before you check into the hospital. If not, they may not pay for your planned admission. We recommend that you find out about how close the patient is to reaching the lifetime maximum on private insurance so the coverage is not near the maxing out point during admission. If the patient is close to maxing out you should seek alternatives such as Medicaid, Medicare or Illinois Comprehensive Health Program (I-CHIP). If you have any questions about insurance coverage, hospital benefits or the cost of your hospital care, please call the Rush business office at (312) 942-5693 ask to speak with a financial counselor.

Hospital admission for pregnant women

Please discuss admission guidelines with your doctor and nurse in advance, whenever possible. Generally, if you are pregnant and expect to deliver your baby at Rush, go directly to OB Registration, located on the sixth floor of the Jelke Building, 1750 W. Harrison St. You can reach OB registration from elevator E. For information about preregistration procedures or related questions, call the Labor & Delivery/OB admission desk at (312) 942-2374.

Access to HTC staff during hospitalization

HTC staff will remain actively involved throughout your admission and discharge process. Our nurse specialists will be involved in the treatment planning process, in collaboration with our inpatient colleagues, for continuity of care.

Other accommodations and questions during hospitalization

You and your family may have additional questions about your room and overnight stay. Please let our HTC staff know about your questions. For more information, including inpatient services and local hotels, visit the Patient and Visitor Services section.