What time can I visit a patient at FGH?
Visiting hours vary depending on the type of patient cared for on a medical unit. The nursing staff can tell you if there are any special times for visitors. Generally, patients in a hospital prefer to rest and recover or may have visitors limited by request. Always check with the patient and staff. Visiting hours generally do not extend beyond 9 pm each evening although some sections permit exceptions to this. Visitors are requested to enter and exit the hospital by the main entrance. All hospital entrances are locked between 11:30 pm and 5:00 am. |
Are there other times I should not visit a patient?
If you are ill or have a cold, do not visit a patient. Please leave a patient room when the doctor comes to see them or if they staff needs to provide a patient care service. Try to limit the number of visitors to two at any time. |
Can children visit patient rooms?
Children under the age of 12 are not permitted in medical-surgical patient rooms. They may visit the Maternal-Child health unit and the Center for Skilled Nursing. Young children should not be left alone in the lobby or waiting areas. |
Is there preadmission and preoperative evaluation?
For planned hospital admissions, FGH offers the convenience of pre-admission. This streamlines your paperwork and has information prepared for you. For scheduled surgeries or specialized tests, pre-admission can be convenient and time-saving. Ask your physician about pre-admission or call the hospital's pre-admission department for information. |
If I need to be hospitalized, what should I bring to the hospital?
Bring only essential toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, shaving equipment, etc. You may wish to bring a robe, slippers and pajamas. Clothes to wear home should be brought the day you are scheduled to leave the hospital. Do not bring valuables with you. |
What hospital safety measures are taken for patients?
Hair dryers, electric blankets and radios from home are not permitted unless inspected beforehand, with a permit form to use them obtained. You may use a battery operated razor or radio. While in the hospital, you may hear fire alarms. We routinely conduct fire drills for patient safety and training. Such training keeps our staff prepared to handle true emergencies. In case of a real fire, you will be informed and instructed what to do.
FGH uses Universal Precautions to protect the patient, visitor and staff. All types of personal protective equipment may be used at any time depending on the procedure being performed. This may include gloves, gowns, goggles, masks and respirators. |
What about smoking?
Smoking is not permitted for patients unless the physician provides a written order recorded in the medical record. Smoking is prohibited within the building. There are designated areas located outside the main building. If you smoke, we ask that you not litter the area with butts. Please use the receptacles. |
Where can I find information about my account?
If you have insurance or other coverage, you must provide this information upon registration. Patients are responsible for amounts not covered by insurances or for annual deductibles or co-payments. At any time during a hospital stay, Financial Counselors are available to assist you with information about your account or billing arrangements. |
Where can I find information about community health programs I may be eligible for?
In the event you have no insurance coverage or other special needs, a representative from the WV Dept. of Health and Human Services is available to work with you to secure medical assistance if eligible. Please call 367-7143 to make an appointment to learn more. This includes the CHIP program for your dependents. |
What is an advanced directive?
Advance directives provide patients with a means to make their own healthcare decisions including the right to accept or refuse life-sustaining medical treatment. An Advance Directive is the specific wish a person gives about the kind of care they wish to receive or not to receive. It allows your agent to make decisions for you about foregoing or extending certain forms of medical treatment to keep you alive. There are two kinds: "Living Wills" and "Medical Power of Attorney." You do not need a lawyer for either of these. Social Services Department can assist you with information regarding how to obtain advance directives. |
What is a living will?
A living will is a legal document in which you specify the types of care you want if you have a terminal illness or are in a comatose state. WV has a law that supports the legality of living wills. |
What is medical power of attorney?
A medical power of attorney allow you to designate someone else to make decisions about your healthcare if you should become unable to do it. You should appoint someone you know and trust to see that your wishes are carried out. |
Where should I keep or file these forms?
Give a copy to your family, your personal physician or the hospital. Keep it accessible for reference-—not locked up somewhere it can't be found. |
What about spiritual needs?
We recognize that spirituality is a dominant factor that influences the health and wellness of many of the patients admitted to our Hospital. Healing is a process that involves mind, body, and spirit. A non-denominational chapel is available in the lobby of the hospital and is open 24 hours per day. We maintain a list of volunteer ministers and the staff can, upon request, assist you with obtaining a minister if you do not have one available. |
What are the cafeteria hours?
The cafeteria is open from 6am until 7pm. |
Can I bring food to a patient?
Visitors should check with the nursing staff before bringing food items such as candy, fruit, etc. to determine if they are permissible on your diet. |
Where are the vending areas?
Vending areas are located in the cafeteria, Emergency Room, and the 1939 lobby. |
What if I have concerns as a patient or customer?
A patient representative is available to discuss concerns you may have. She can be reached at 367-7541. You can always ask to speak to a supervisor. |
What about home-based care after discharge?
Patients often leave the hospital in need of skilled or personal services assistance as they continue to recover at home. In many cases home health care is the preferred alternative to nursing home care. Fairmont General Hospital Home Health Services will be able to assist. Call 367-7104 for more information. |
What are non-covered services?
The cost of a private room is the most frequent non-covered service by your insurance carrier. You must pay the difference for this. You are also responsible for deductibles or co-insurance that are not covered. |
Who sends bills for hospital care?
You will receive a bill from Fairmont General Hospital for all room and technical charges. The latter includes tests, treatment or therapies provided to you based upon the doctor's order.
You will receive separate bills from your personal physician who provides your daily care. In some instances, your doctor may ask a specialist to provide a consultation for a specialized treatment. In this situation, you will also receive a bill from the consultant physician. In cases of surgery, it is routine to receive professional service billing from the surgeon, the anesthesiologist, the pathologist or the radiologist who interpret special testing or x-rays.
If you are seen in the emergency department, the emergency department physician will also bill you for professional services. |
What are patients' rights and responsibilities?
You have the right to courteous, respectful treatment, appropriate medical care, and to request and receive information about your admission and discharge planning. A detailed listing is provided to you in your patient handbook upon admission. You are responsible for providing accurate and timely information to the hospital regarding past and current medical conditions or treatments, for communicating openly with professional involved in your care, and for informing those in charge (your doctor, a hospital representative or staff person) if you believe your rights have been violated.
Upon discharge, you will receive a survey that asks questions about your satisfaction with services provided. This feedback is important to us. |
