Preparing for Your Hospital Stay or Surgery
At Middlesex Hospital, we always strive to provide the best care. However, we also want our patients to feel as prepared and comfortable as possible.
As a patient, whether you will be staying with us or having an outpatient procedure or test performed, you should consult with your physician or their healthcare team to answer your questions and receive the proper steps to prepare for your visit. Be sure to ask about fasting or any other requirements prior to surgery.
Patients should plan to arrive on time, or even a little early, so that you won't be rushed as you park and come into the hospital. This will also allow us more time to process your insurance and billing information correctly.
For outpatient visits, patients should try to arrive 15 to 30 minutes before their scheduled appointment to allow for registration. Please arrive by the specific time requested by our admitting staff or your physician's office for inpatient procedures.
To make your visit easier, remember to bring:
- Your health insurance card.
- Picture identification, such as a driver's license.
- Referral and/or authorization forms, if required by your insurance company.
Important information for patients having surgery:
- Know why you are having surgery. Ask to have it explained in plain language.
- Read pre-surgery instructions from your doctor and follow them.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing and shoes that are easy to get on and off.
- Ask how long you might expect to be in the hospital.
- If out-patient surgery, be sure you have someone to drive you home and spend the night with you.
- Ask your doctor what your special needs will be at home after the surgery.
To prepare for your hospital stay it is also important to:
- Bring a family member or friend for support.
- Bring your Living Will, Medical or Durable Power of Attorney, or Health Care Proxy form if you have one.
- Bring all insurance cards. Bring a driver’s license or a photo I.D. card.
- Bring a list of all your medicines, but leave the medication at home. The list should include over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
- Bring a list of all your doctors and what you see them for.
- Bring names and phone numbers of your caregiver, family, and close friends' names and phone numbers if you need to call them from the hospital phone.
- Bring a pen and pad to take notes.
- Leave all valuables at home, such as money, jewelry, or watches.
Items to Bring For Your Comfort and Relaxation:
Be Aware - You are responsible for anything you bring from home.
- Toiletries, if you have allergies or if you prefer your own.
- Deodorant.
- Books, puzzles, personal electronics. Be sure your name is on everything.
- Glasses, hearing aids with extra batteries, and dentures with adhesive should have a case marked with your name.
Your Hospital Stay Checklist and Medication Tracker
Preparing For Your Lab Appointment
At Middlesex Hospital, we provide high-tech laboratory testing services backed by a wealth of experience. As a patient, you can be sure you and your physician always have access to advanced diagnostic technology in the hands of professionals whose expertise you can trust and depend on.
As a patient, whether you will be staying with us or having an outpatient procedure or test performed, you should consult with your physician or their healthcare team to answer your questions and receive the proper steps to prepare for your visit.
If you would like to contact us, please call our Laboratory Customer Service Center at 860-358-6160.
No matter which of our three locations you choose, the Middlesex Hospital Laboratory Services team is committed to providing you and your physician with excellent service and accurate results.
To make your test as easy and convenient as possible, please ask your doctor what you should do in preparation for your test. For example, many tests require fasting beforehand to ensure their accuracy.
Preparing for Your Radiology Appointment
To schedule an appointment with Radiology at any of our convenient locations, please call Central Scheduling at 860-358-2600.
At Middlesex Hospital, we offer patients advanced diagnostic and therapeutic imaging services that combine state-of-the-art technology with highly-skilled, board-certified professionals — all designed to help your primary care physician or specialist make more accurate diagnoses, as well as determine and perform the best course of treatment.
Middlesex Health System's Radiology Department is committed to providing patients with routine imaging services and bringing the latest in medical and diagnostic imaging technology to the communities we serve. This includes advanced technologies such as PET scans, high field MRI, 3 Dimensional CT Reconstruction, CT Angiography, and Virtual CT Endoscopy.
With all of our expert radiologists certified by the American College of Radiology and four convenient locations, Middlesex Health System is committed to providing accurate testing and diagnosis through a wide variety of imaging services.
All radiology staff members have been trained to provide exceptional customer service and compassionate care safely, efficiently, and professionally.
To make your test as easy and convenient as possible, please ask your doctor what you should do in preparation for your test.
Screening vs. Diagnostic Mammograms
- A screening mammogram is done once every year - no sooner than 366 days apart.
- Multiple pictures are taken by a technologist and read by a Radiologist at a later time - usually within 1-2 working days. That report is available on MyChart after it is read by a Radiologist.
- This is routine screening imaging, and is covered by insurance, usually with no copay/deductible or a $20 copay.
- A screening mammogram may be ordered only if there are no areas of concern in the breast on examination or on your last mammogram.
- If there is an abnormality on your screening mammogram, you may be called back for additional pictures - a “DIAGNOSTIC MAMMOGRAM” (see reverse). It is possible that your insurance company could choose to bill you for copay/deductible for the screening mammogram if it is abnormal.
- This exam is needed for complete evaluation of a breast problem - a breast mass or other abnormality found on examination or screening mammogram or for follow up after a recent breast biopsy.
- At the time of this type of mammogram, pictures are taken by a technologist and read by a Radiologist while you wait. If additional pictures are needed, they are taken at that time. Also, sometimes an ultrasound of an area will be done. You will be informed of the results before you leave.
- This is covered by your insurance, however copays and deductibles will apply.
- It is also common to have a diagnostic mammogram done for 3 to 5 years after a cancer diagnosis/surgery.
- Your imaging recommendations will be discussed with you by your breast surgeon.
Middlesex Health offers financial assistance to those who qualify. For more information or to request a financial assistance application, please contact our Financial Counselors at 860-358-2402 or visit our website, MiddlesexHealth.org/financialassistance
Preparing for Your Cancer Treatment
Whether you are coming to Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center as a patient, or you are here to support a friend or family member, we want you to feel comfortable and confident in the care we provide.
We've created this modern, high-tech facility and fully integrated program to provide leading-edge treatment in a warm, caring setting that’s close to home. Here, you’ll find some of the most advanced technologies, techniques, and treatments available anywhere. All delivered by compassionate professionals who understand the impact of a cancer diagnosis on you and your loved ones. And having access to the most advanced technology and treatments available offers something of even greater value...options.
The Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center is located at 536 Saybrook Road, Middletown, CT. There is plenty of free parking and easy access for patients and their friends and families.
If you are considering treatment options at the Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center, please call us to make an appointment to speak to one of our specialists, at 860-344-6809.