Patients heal faster in their own environment. That's why it's important to start thinking about where you will go and what kind of support you will need when you leave the hospital.

Discharge Planning Services
A special registered nurse called a case manager will help you and your family create a discharge plan. This is a plan for where you are going, what you need, and what you should do when you leave the hospital.

Bronson's case managers can refer you to skilled nursing facilities or set up hospice care services. They can also order your medical equipment and other supplies.

A Bronson medical social worker can help you and your family find a safe place for when you leave. They are here to listen and help you through hard times. They also connect you and your family with people in the community that can help.

These are free services to all patients. Call the Case Management/Medical Social Work Department at (269) 341-7943.

Personal Belongings
Remember to collect all of your belongings. Check all closets, drawers and the bathroom. Ask your nurse to bring you your valuables if they are in the hospital safe. We will ask you to make a list of everything you bring. Sign the receipt saying that you have everything before you go.

Checkout Time
Patients may be picked up from any lobby entrance. Parking is available in the Vine Street Ramp on the South Campus. North Campus parking is in the Jasper Street Ramp. Valet parking is also available at the Main Entrance off John Street. Your family member or friend may come directly to your room after parking.

You and your nurse will decide whether you need or want an escort out of the hospital.

Medications
Bronson's Outpatient Pharmacy can fill your prescription before you leave the hospital. This may be helpful if you have a hard-to-find medicine or need a short-term prescription. Most prescription insurance plans are accepted.

The Outpatient Pharmacy is located inside the Gift Shop on the first floor of the Medical Office Pavilion on Bronson's South Campus. Outpatient Pharmacy hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is closed holidays and weekends. Call (269) 341-6990 for more information.

Continuing Your Care
Want to continue your care at home? Bronson offers home healthcare services and options. Please talk with your nurse or doctor if you are interested.

Hospital Bills and Insurance
Please talk to your insurance company ahead of time if possible. They will go over their requirements. This will make it easier for you to focus on getting well after you leave the hospital.

Bronson will submit your bills to your insurance company if you give us all of the information. Remember that your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. If the insurance company disputes charges or services, these are your responsibility. You have the final responsibility for payment of your hospital bill. Bronson has several payment options to help you pay your bill, if needed.

Your Bill from Bronson
Your hospital bill has most of the services you received. These include lab tests, X-rays, room and board, meals, nursing care and others. A patient financial counselor may visit you during your stay. The counselor will make sure that all of your information is correct. Then you can sign any needed papers. To update your insurance information, call (269) 341-8500, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Or, e-mail patientbilling@bronsonhg.org 

Bills from Others
You may also get a bill from your doctor. Bronson uses doctors in private practice for procedures such as anesthesiology, radiology, pathology, emergency and other specialty services. These services are not part of your Bronson bill. If you need these services during your visit, those doctors will send you a separate bill. Even if Bronson participates with your insurance plan, some doctors may not. Please contact the doctor's office to ask if it participates with your insurance plan.

Need Health Insurance Coverage?
If you do not have health insurance, please call a Medicaid Advocate at (269) 341-6437 or (269) 341-7981. The Medicaid Advocate can help you figure out if you can get help from the Michigan Department of Human Services.