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It is the policy of Palmer Lutheran Health Center to admit and treat patients without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, handicap, age, or sex. Patients are encouraged to take an active role in their treatment, please direct questions and concerns to our staff and they will respond to your questions or direct you to the correct person. The following information is provided for you and your visitors. If you would like additional information, please call 563-422-3811 (dial “O” for the operator in house) and your call will be appropriately directed.
Insurance Cards / Information
Patients should bring insurance card(s) and information with them to assist in filing insurance claims.
Medications
Patients should bring a list of medications they are taking for outpatient visits. Patients who are being admitted to the hospital should bring their medications with them. They may or may not continue taking those medications; the physician will make that determination.
Meals – Vending Machines
Nutritious, well balanced meals are an important part of your treatment and recovery. The Dietary Department makes every effort to provide patients with nutritious meals consistent with diet orders. A registered dietitian is on staff for consultation and instruction if patients are on a therapeutic diet or have special needs. Meals are served at approximately 7:30 a.m., 11:45 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Snacks and beverages are also available dependant upon dietary restrictions. Occasionally meals may be delayed for test or treatment restrictions. The meal will be served after the examination, test or surgery as the physician advises.
The Cafeteria and Dining Room are located on the lower level of the hospital. Coffee, tea and ice water are available 24 hours a day. Guest trays (for a reasonable cost) are available and can be delivered with the patient meal or eaten in the Dining Room. One guest tray per meal is provided free of charge for a parent of pediatric patients 12 years and under.
Vending machines are located on the lower level of the building and are accessible 24 hours a day.
Meditation Chapel
For those who seek solace, a meditation chapel is located within the main entrance lobby.
Patient Room
Room assignments are based on the admitting diagnosis and bed availability on the day of admission.
Phone Calls
Each patient bed has a telephone line that can be called directly by family/friends without going through our switchboard. Telephone use instructions may be found at each bed side. Long distance calls may not be placed from patient rooms unless using toll free numbers, phone cards or placing collect calls. Cell phone use is permitted with the exception of the Emergency Room, Surgery, Monitored Bed and Cardiac Stress Test Rooms or whenever patient care equipment is in use which may impose electromagnetic risks.
Smoking
Our facilities and grounds are smoke-free, inside and outside. This provides a healthier environment
for everyone who comes here to receive care, provide care, visit or work. We ask for your cooperation
with this for the benefit of all.
Valuables
Patients are encouraged to leave valuables and personal items at home or send them home with family and friends. Personal items may be placed in safekeeping during a hospital stay upon request.
Visiting Hours / Information
Visiting hours are 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Immediate family members are not subject to visiting hours, unless imposed by the patient, the physician, and/or the nurse in charge. For security purposes the hospital is locked after 8:00 p.m. Immediate family members can enter the hospital after 8:00 p.m. to visit through the Emergency entrance. For the protection of our patients, we ask that visitors consider a phone call instead of a visit if they are ill or have been exposed to an illness.
Waiting Rooms/Family Rooms
Waiting rooms or Family Rooms are provided in the following areas: outpatient, emergency, surgery, obstetrics (OB), and by the main entrance.
BILLING - INSURANCE INFORMATION
Billing
The hospital bill may not be the only bill you receive. Services provided by other professionals (i.e. the radiologist, surgeons, specialty clinics, lab or pathology) may be billed separately by their office. Physician and lab charges may be billed through the hospital or clinic depending on the service provided. Each of these bills will indicate an address that your payment should be mailed to and a phone number to call with billing questions/concerns. The hospital has billing specialists to assist you with questions about your Palmer Lutheran Health Center bill.
Filing Insurance
After your hospital service or test, we will file the insurance claim for you for our bill if you have provided us with your insurance information. Upon receipt of payment from your insurance, you will be notified of any balance due by receiving our monthly statement. Itemized bills are available upon request.
Pre-certification
It is recommended you call your insurance company before having a hospital or outpatient procedure. Many insurance companies require pre-certification before you receive treatment in order for them to pay your bill. Since all insurance company’s requirements vary, it is your responsibility to know your coverage and follow their procedures.
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