Doctors Hospital of Manteca is Taking the Stress Out of a Hospital Admission and Stay.  We’re working hard to streamline the admissions process and get you the test or treatment you need with maximum comfort and convenience. 

Part 1: A Guide to a Carefree Check-in
At Doctors Hospital of Manteca, we understand that coming to the hospital, whether it’s to have a diagnostic test, undergo surgery, or even deliver a baby, can be a stressful experience. One of the ways we try to make it as easy as possible is by streamlining the admissions process and enabling you to “pre-register” for certain services to get your paperwork out of the way before your test or treatment. Here’s a brief guide: 

Outpatient Diagnostic Tests (CT scan, MRI, mammogram, bone density, nuclear medicine, or ultrasound exam) :
Your doctor will write an order and either schedule an appointment for you or have you schedule the appointment yourself. If you make the appointment, you’ll be asked some basic questions about your medical history and insurance over the phone. If your doctor’s office makes the appointment, they will handle this. On the day of the appointment, simply check in at the Patient Registration Department on the first floor, and a member of our registration team will be happy to guide you from there.  
 
 X-rays and Laboratory Tests
Your doctor will give you an order. These tests are provided on a first-come, first-served basis; we do not make appointments. You may have to wait 15 minutes or more, depending on the time of day and the number of walk-in patients at that time; the actual registration process takes up to 20 minutes, so make sure you schedule enough time. During this time, the Registration Associate will be asking questions to ensure we have the most recent information on file, i.e., your address, telephone number, employer and insurance information. Eligibility and benefits are verified electronically and authorization is obtained, if required, based on the conditions of the plan. This is done to ensure we are billing the correct insurance company with the correct information. Our contracts with most insurance companies require us to estimate and collect your financial responsibility. We may be able to make arrangements to satisfy this obligation in conjunction with our hospital’s policies. Signatures are obtained on all required forms, copies of insurance cards are made and submitted with the bill as needed. If it’s more convenient, you’re welcome to “pre-register” at Patient Registration one day and come back another time to have the actual  tests done. Repeat services, such as monthly labs, do not require repeat registration. If your physician has indicated it is a “standing order” you will go directly to the Lab or Radiology for your service. “Standing Order” registration is only required two times a year, in March and September. 
  
Scheduled Procedures/Surgeries
Your physician/surgeon will write an order and schedule your procedure/surgery in our Surgical Services Department. Their office staff will give you a Pre-Surgical Screening folder and ask you to complete the Anesthesia Health Questionnaire & Medication Record at home. Please call 239-8313 to schedule your Pre-Surgical Screening appointment, unless your physician has already done this for you. You will receive a reminder call with your appointment time and a request for you to bring your completed medical forms, insurance card and photo identification. At your Pre-Surgical Screening appointment you will be pre-registered, and the registration associate will collect your Anesthesia Health Questionnaire and Medication Record and have you complete any pre-op tests, e.g, lab (not fasting), EKG, chest X-ray. If needed, you will also meet with the:
1.  nurse practitioner for medical clearance based on your age, medical condition or procedure/ surgery; your pre-op tests will be done at this time.
2. Breast Health Center Coordinator for any condition involving breast health.
Bring your folder to your appointment and on the day of your procedure/surgery. The afternoon before your procedure/surgery, you will receive a reminder call from our Surgical Services nurse to confirm the arrival time, the scheduled start time and any special medical instructions. On the day of your procedure/surgery, please check in at the Main Entrance; if you owe a co-pay it will be collected and the staff will direct you to Surgical Services. 
  
Labor and Delivery
If you’re having your baby with us, you can pre-register at any time by mailing in an Obstetrics registration form (available at your doctor’s office). If you’re scheduled for a C-section, please refer to scheduled surgical procedures above.  
What to Bring
You may be asked to provide the following items:

1.         Insurance cards
2.         Physician order (if M.D. office provided to
            you)
3.         Driver’s license or other identification
4.         Worker’s compensation information, if
            applicable
5.         If you have one, an Advance Directive or
            Living Will (if you are having a baby, if you
            are admitted, or for any procedure
            requiring anesthesia)  

Our Patient Registration Department hours are Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and our Pre-Surgical Screening Department hours are Monday through Friday, 5:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m.  

Part 2: Understanding Your Health Insurance Take time to read and understand your health insurance policy BEFORE you need it.   Most people don’t give a thought to their health insurance until they need it. “Don’t wait until you’re faced with a crisis,” says Carrie Hill, Director of Patient Financial Services. “Choose a health plan carefully, and make sure you understand how it works.” She offers the following tips:
Compare plans: Your employer may offer you a choice between different plans, such as a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO). An HMO requires you to use only participating or “in-network” doctors and hospitals. A PPO also has in-network providers, but also offers limited coverage if you go outside the network. “Before you enroll in any type of plan, take time to evaluate your and your family’s health needs, read the policy thoroughly, and call your human resources department or your insurance company with any questions,” says Ms. Hill. Other resources to help you understand your insurance can be found on a website, such as http://www.insurance.ca.gov/ or http://www.healthinsurance.org/california/.  

Understand the payment process:
With the evolution of healthcare, billing practices have changed. In the past, healthcare providers used to send a bill for services after the patient received treatment. Now, unless you’re in an emergency situation, you’ll be asked to provide your co-payment when you first check in. Depending on what your insurance covers, you may receive a bill for the balance of your treatment costs at a later date. “We offer many options to help patients pay their bills, including payment plans, credit card plans and financial assistance,” says Ms. Hill. She encourages patients to call her anytime, before or after a hospital visit, to discuss financial responsibilities or ask questions about their bills. She can be reached at 209.239.8308. 

Key Terms:
Having trouble “decoding” your health insurance policy? Here are a few key phrases you should know.  
    Premium:     
The amount you pay for your insurance policy, which is often deducted directly from your paycheck.

    Deductible:  
The out-of-pocket amount you must pay every year before your insurance coverage kicks in. This is usually per calendar year. 

    Co-Insurance:
The percentage of your financial responsibility that the insurance has assigned as your share of cost. 

    Co-payment:    
A flat fee charged every time you use a medical service, regardless of the cost of the procedure.

    Maximum out-of-pocket expense:
The most you’ll have to spend before all your medical bills are covered. This is usually per calendar year. Please keep in mind most healthcare providers are required to estimate and collect your financial responsibility (which may include your deductible, co-insurance, and/or co-payment) at the time of service.

For more information regarding your benefits plan, contact the member services or customer service number on your insurance card, or refer to your plan’s benefit manual or website. Most insurance companies have a link on their website that will access Frequently Asked Questions.   Physician Referral Choosing a physician doesn’t have to involve a lot of guesswork. Simply log on to www.doctorsmanteca.com and take advantage of Doctors Hospital’s interactive physician referral service. If you prefer to speak to someone directly, please call 800.470.7229 and one of our physician referral specialists will help you find a physician for your needs.  

We will always treat you as a valued customer and guest.  

www.doctorsmanteca.com