Admissions and Discharge

Admission
Upon arrival at Lakeside Medical Center, you will be requested to provide the Admitting Office with your Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance cards.  The Admitting staff will verify your insurance coverage and other pertinent information, as well as notify your insurance company that you have arrived.  Even if you have been a patient here before, each visit is treated separately, and all the information must be re-verified. 

If you anticipate any difficulty concerning the financing of your hospitalization, please contact our Business Office manager immediately so that we can assist you in making arrangements.

Consent Forms
You will be required to sign an authorization for medical and/or surgical treatment.  Specific authorization must be given for operations, special diagnostic tests and release of information.  Permission for the treatment of minors must be signed by parents or legal guardians.  You may be assured that this information will be held in strict confidence.

Personal Needs
Some personal items are necessary during your stay for your comfort and convenience.

• Toiletries (i.e., deodorant, shampoo, toothbrush, comb/brush), bathrobe, slippers and pajamas/gowns are the only personal items you will need to bring. Additional toiletries can be purchased in our gift shop located in the hospital's front lobby or you may have someone bring them to you.
• You should also bring any insurance materials - including insurance card and claim forms.
• Medicare/Medicaid card and a list of medications you are currently taking.
  The hospital cannot assume responsibility for personal property such as eyeglasses, contact lenses or dentures. Please use your own protective containers for those items when not in use. 
• DO NOT BRING small electrical appliances such as TV/radios, hair dryers, or electric razors. 
• You are strongly urged to leave your valuables at home or send them home with a relative.  If this is not possible, they must be declared at the time of your admission and deposited in the hospital safe. 
• Lakeside Medical Center is a tobacco-free facility.

Identification Band
Upon admission to the hospital, an identification band is placed around your wrist. Each time you are rendered treatment or medicine, the hospital staff checks your name on the band with your physician's orders. To ensure accurate and quality care, do not remove this band until you are discharged from the hospital.

Interpretation Services
If you are non-English speaking and need interpretation services, please ask your nurse for Language Line Service. This service provides over-the-phone interpretation.

Telephone Calls
The hospital phone number is 561-996-6571. Incoming calls may be dialed directly to your room by entering your room number after the hospital message.  Outgoing calls can be made 24-hours a day from your room.

To place an outgoing call, dial “9" plus the number. 

• To place a long distance call, dial “0", tell the switchboard operator how you want your call billed, and she will help you reach your party.
• Wireless phone use is prohibited as it may interfere with medical equipment.
• In order to protect patient privacy, the use of camera phones is prohibited.

Discharge Planning
Discharge planning begins the day you are admitted to the hospital. Your physician, the case management department and your nurses work as a team to plan for your discharge. If you need additional medical follow-up at home, your physician may request visiting nurses, medical equipment, physical therapy, respiratory therapy or other services.  In addition to medical care, there are a number of community services available on a short- or long-term basis that our discharge planner can arrange for you, if necessary.