Patient & Visitor Guide

Outpatient Appointments

• Bring all the right documents like relevant tests, x-rays, medical histories
• List all current medications you take on a regular basis, including dosage amounts
• Prepare for any special doctor requests like diet or medication restrictions
• Someone may need to accompany you if necessary, to take you home
• You may need a sweater or jacket since many rooms are cool to protect medical equipment

Inpatient Stays

• Comfort is key so bring sweatpants, robe and slippers
• Bring what you need to sleep comfortably; a pillow or blanket for example
• Day clothes with clean underwear
• Toiletries – soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, razors and shavings materials, sanitary tampons
• Books or magazines to help pass the time
• Make sure your nurse and doctor know about all the medications/supplements you are taking and any allergies and adverse reactions you have.

About Your Outpatient Treatment

• How long will the treatment take?
• What can I expect and what are the steps involved in this treatment?
• What is the cost of the treatment?
Is there a generic form of my treatment and is it as effective?
• What side effects can I expect? And what should I do if I have any?
• What risks and benefits are associated with the treatment?
• What would happen if I didn’t do this treatment?
• What would happen if I delay my treatment?
• Is there anything I should avoid during treatment?
• What is my prognosis?

About Your Inpatient Surgery

• Is this surgery necessary?
• Where can I get a second opinion?
• What are the benefits of having 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 risks of having surgery?
• What if I don’t have this surgery?
• What kind of anesthesia will I need?
• How long will it take me to recover?
• How much experience do you have performing this surgery?
• How long will I be in the hospital?

Shortly before your discharge, you will receive a written “Discharge Notice.” Here are some important things to know when discharged:

• Ask your doctor to explain any prescriptions you are given.
• Ask for information about your medicines in terms you can understand.
• If you have any questions about the directions on your medicine labels, ask.
• You can have a prescription filled in our pharmacy.

If you have any questions, please contact the assigned nurse or the review agent listed on the notice.

Hospital bills may seem complex and confusing. SBH highly recommends you look closely at the bill and ask questions if you see something you do not understand.

A SBH bill will list the major charges from your visit. It lists the services you received such as procedures and tests as well as medicines and supplies. Most of time, you will get a separate bill for health care provider fees. It is important for you to know that the physician services you receive in the hospital are not included in the hospital’s charges. Physicians who provide services at the hospital maybe employed by the hospital, may be independent voluntary physicians, or any other physicians that may be required for your care.

You should check with the physician arranging your hospital services to determine which plans your physician participates in. Plan participation information for physicians employed by the hospital can be found at www.sbhny.org.

Hospitals are required bylaw to make available information about our standard charges for the items and services they provide. This information is available by contacting the Patient Accounting Department at (718) 960-3817.

Learn about SBH’s Financial Services

Log in to the Bill Pay Portal

MyChart, a software system by Epic, is a valuable tool you can use to securely view and update your health information online. It allows you to quickly and conveniently access your health records and so much more:

• View your medical information — including your medical history, health records and test results
• Schedule and manage appointments
• Request prescription refills
• Review details of your insurance and payment plans
• Find care and connect with a doctor no matter where you are

MyChart is the ultimate empowering tool available to all SBH patients.

Log into MyChart

For the comfort and privacy of all patients, we ask that you limit the number of visitors to two per day to a bedside. Please note: There may be certain circumstances that will require us to restrict or limit visitors for reasons of patient safety.

Additionally, visitors must follow the requirement of masking in the facility. In certain cases, visitors may be required to wear personal protection equipment for infection control,such as medical gloves and gowns.

Due to government regulations, visitation policy can be modified or suspended indefinitely without notice. If you have questions, please contact the main line at (718)960-9000.

Hospital Visitation Guidelines (English) (PDF)