For patients

Preparing for a hospital stay or doctor visit

Whether you are planning a hospital stay for you or your child, visiting your primary care provider or preparing for childbirth, we want to help you prepare.

Hospital stay

Planning a hospital stay may help you feel more prepared since you know what to expect and will have the items you need and that make you feel comfortable.

Patient guide and hospital maps

Use the patient guide to learn more about your care while you are a patient at Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center, Atrium Health Floyd Polk Medical Center or Atrium Health Floyd Cherokee Medical Center. 

Maps:

• Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center campus map
• Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center floorplan map

What to bring

• Health insurance card
• Prescription insurance card
• Personal identification with photo
• HMO/PPO referral forms or letter of authorization (if required)
• Medical records, X-ray films or prior test results from other providers
• All medications you currently are taking, in their original containers
• Copy of your advance directive 
• Prepaid phone card for long distance calls if you do not have a cell phone
• Essential personal items, such as glasses, dentures, hearing aids or walker, etc.
• Personal hygiene items such as comb/brush, deodorant, toothbrush, etc.
• Clothing to wear while in the hospital and at discharge
• Reading and writing materials
• Cash or coins for newspapers, gift shop and other items. It is strongly suggested that you not bring large amounts of cash to the hospital.

What not to bring

• Credit cards
• Jewelry
• Valuables
• Large amounts of cash

Atrium Health Floyd cannot take responsibility for the loss of these items.

What is a “hospitalist”?

When you are admitted to Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center for treatment, a hospitalist will likely oversee your care. A hospitalist functions much like your regular doctor while you are in the hospital.

A hospitalist is a doctor who has attended medical school or an advance practice provider such as a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant. Many hospitalists have advance training in internal medicine, so they know how all the systems of the body work together. Hospitalists are also trained to work closely with specialists – such as a cardiologist or neurologist – who focus on a particular area of care.

During your stay, hospitalists will visit you, review your chart, order needed tests and coordinate care with other providers you see while you are in the hospital. 

Hospitalists are available at Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center day and night, seven days a week. This enables them to respond quickly when needed if you have an immediate medical issue or if additional tests need to be ordered. They are also available to answer questions from other physicians, nurses or family members.

Working with your family doctor

You might be in the hospital because your regular doctor sent you there for treatment that will provide a better outcome than outpatient care. Hospitalists work closely with the health care provider that you see regularly to discuss treatment options and to review your medical history.

When you go home

When you go home from the hospital, the hospitalist will help coordinate follow-up care. This includes prescribing needed medications, giving discharge instructions and speaking with your regular health care provider about needed follow-up visits.

Your physician will be provided with hospital records from your stay. In many cases, patients are instructed to schedule an appointment with their doctor after they leave the hospital. If you do not have a regular doctor, your nurse can help you set up an appointment.

 

Pediatric hospital care

The Stephen D. Smith M.D. Pediatric Center at Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center provides skilled, age-appropriate care for infants, children and adolescents under the age of 18 years in need of hospitalization. Pediatric patients who require a higher level of medical attention receive care in our Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit. Newborn babies with special medical needs, including premature newborns, receive care in our Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Our specially trained nurses, pediatricians and clinical specialists provide expert care to children of all ages. We provide particular attention to the physical and mental development of children and how these factors affect their response to illness and healing.

The pediatric center features special areas for families, play areas and in-room entertainment options. Access to the pediatric center is secure, with limited access.

Conditions

• Asthma
• Dehydration (secondary to vomiting and diarrhea)
• Cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• Other bacterial infections

Treatments

Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center specializes in the following pediatric treatments and services:

• Antibiotic therapy
• IV therapy
• Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
• Pediatric sleep center
• Pediatric medicine
• Rehabilitation

 

Visiting your primary care physician

A primary care physician, more commonly known as a PCP or family doctor, is a physician who is specifically trained in treating the entire person; physically, mentally and emotionally. Primary care physicians not only diagnose and treat sudden and chronic illnesses, like the flu and high blood pressure, but they also provide routine health screenings and counseling on lifestyle changes in an effort to prevent diseases from developing in the first place.

Primary care doctors train for three years, treating patients in real-life settings. The education of primary care physicians includes not only several major areas of medicine but also all patient populations, including infants and the elderly. Under the scope of the primary care network are family practice doctors, internal medicine specialists (also called internists) and pediatricians.

Establishing a primary care physician provides you the opportunity to partner and collaborate with your physician over your health, places you on the frontlines of preventing and diagnosing diseases, and allows you access to the complete picture of your overall health. One of the greatest advantages of having a primary care physician is the bond you’ll create over time. Research shows that people who have an ongoing relationship with a primary care physician have better overall health outcomes, lower death rates and lower total costs of health care.

Appointment checklist

We are patients, too. We understand how a visit to your doctor’s office can sometimes be overwhelming. Depending upon the reason for your doctor’s visit, this checklist may help you prepare. 

1. Gather documents to bring to your doctor’s visit:
   • Copies of any tests, X-rays or medical histories relating to your medical problem.
   • Completed new patient medical history questionnaire.
2. Bring a list of all current medications taken on a regular basis, including over-the-counter and herbal medications.
3. Review any special directions from your doctor about diet or medication restrictions prior to your appointment.
4. Ask friends or relatives to accompany you if you wish. Depending on the type of appointment you have, you may need someone to take you home.
5. Bring a sweater or coat. Our buildings are kept cool to protect and ensure the proper function of medical equipment.

Appointment reminders

Reminder calls are placed to the phone number we have on record to contact you within 48 hours of your scheduled appointment. You may also receive a text message reminder.

Your health is very important to us. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please follow the prompts on the reminder call to reschedule your appointment to a date and time that work for you and your schedule. You may also call the office directly to reschedule your appointment.

During your appointment

To make the most of your appointment, be sure to ask your doctor any questions or express any concerns you have. If you’re not sure what to ask? Find some of our suggestions listed in the Questions for Your Doctor Guide.

After your appointment

If you need to see another doctor, we will make every effort to schedule additional tests and consultations at the earliest available time.

If you need to be hospitalized, we will coordinate admitting arrangements and provide the hospital with information prior to your arrival.

Questions to ask your doctor

About your symptoms or diagnosis

• What is the disease or condition?
• How serious is my disease or condition and how will it affect my home and work life?
• What is the short-term and long-term prognosis for my disease or condition?
• What caused the disease or condition?
• Is there more than one disease or condition that could be causing my symptoms?
• Should I be tested for a certain disease or condition?
• What symptoms should I watch for?
• How can I be tested for a disease or condition, and what will these tests tell me?
• What tests will be involved in diagnosing my disease or condition?
• How safe and accurate are the tests?
• When will I know my test results?
• Will I need more medical tests?
• Do I need a follow-up visit and if so, when?
• Do I need to take precautions to avoid infecting others?
• How is the disease or condition treated?

About your treatment:

• What are my treatment options?
• How long will the treatment take?
• What is the cost of the treatment?
• Which treatment is most common for my disease or condition?
• Is there a generic form of my treatment and is it as effective?
• What side effects can I expect?
• What risks and benefits are associated with the treatment?
• What would happen if I didn’t have any treatment?
• What would happen if I delay my treatment?
• Is there anything I should avoid during treatment
• What should I do if I have side effects?
• How will I know if the medication is working?
• What would I do if I miss a dose of medication?
• Will my job or lifestyle be affected?
• What is my short-term and long-term prognosis?

If you need surgery:

• Why do I need surgery?
• What surgical procedure are you recommending?
• Is there more than one way of performing this surgery?
• Are there alternatives to surgery?
• How much will surgery cost?
• What are the benefits of having surgery?
• What are the risks of having surgery?
• What if I don’t have this surgery?
• Where can I get a second opinion?
• What kind of anesthesia will I need?
• How long will it take me to recover?
• What are your qualifications?
• How much experience do you have performing this surgery?
• How long will I be in the hospital?