Patient FAQs

Q: What should I bring to the hospital?

A: Bring health insurance cards, medical history and list of medications, inhalers, personal identification cards, a bag or backpack to carry your personal items and protective containers for eyeglasses, contacts, dentures, wigs or prosthesis.

Q: Where can I have my preadmission testing done?

A:We make preadmission testing convenient and easy to do with laboratories and imaging facilities at three locations in the area that offer scheduled and walk in appointments.

Q: Where do I go the day of surgery?

A: Your physician's office will have told you the time and location of your surgery.

For locations and directions click here.

Q: Where do I park? Where do my visitors park? 

A: There is parking available at all hospital campuses and our other facilities. For maps and visitor parking rates see the individual hospital location page. 

Q: What medications can I take and which should I avoid before surgery?

It is important to know what medications you should avoid and which you can continue taking. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about a medication you are taking.

Q: Can I have visitors during my stay?

A: We welcome visitors during visiting hours.

Q:  Why do I have to show my ID each time I visit the hospital?

A: Our primary concern is for your health and safety. We request your identification to ensure that we access and update the correct medical record. It’s also to protect you from fraud. Statistics released by the Federal Trade Commission indicate that more than 3.25 million Americans have had their personal information used by someone else for illegal activities. By requesting proof of identity, we are able to safeguard your personal medical and financial information.

Q:  Why do I need to bring my insurance card to each visit?

A:  In order to file an insurance claim on your behalf, it is necessary to make certain that we have the most current and accurate information about your insurance coverage and specific plan benefits. That is why it is our policy to verify your insurance information during each visit.

Q:  Why do I have to answer the same questions each time I am registered?

A:  Many of the questions we ask are either required by your insurance company or requested to ensure that we have the most accurate information on file. This information allows us to satisfy the requirements of your insurance company and to file your claim with little or no involvement on your behalf. Certain questions are mandated by the federal agency of CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services).

Q: Is there WiFi and cell service in the hospital?

A: There is cell service and free WiFi at all our locations. 

Q: Who will help me with my discharge plans?

A: Your discharge planner is responsible for working with you and your family to create your discharge plan. You will meet your discharge planner during your hospital stay.

Q: How can my family and friends find out about my surgical status?

A: Our staff will keep your family and friends updated regularly.  

Q: How do I pay my bill?

A: You can pay your bill online or by mail. We accept payment from private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid and self-pay patients

Q: I got several bills from my hospital stay. Do I pay them all?

A: Your hospital costs consist of bills from UPMC Pinnacle and from other providers such as your anesthesiologist or other providers. These bills must be paid separately.

Helpful definitions

• Beneficiary: A person who receives benefits of any insurance plan or policy.
• Claim: A request for payment for services submitted by the provider.
• Coinsurance: A specified percentage of covered expenses which the insurance carrier requires the beneficiary to pay toward eligible medical bills.
• Co-pay or co-payment: A specific set dollar amount contracted between the insurance company and the beneficiary to be paid prior to any services rendered.
• Covered services: Services for which an insurance policy will pay.
• Deductible: A specified dollar amount of medical expenses which the beneficiary must pay before an insurance policy will pay.
• Explanation of Benefits (EOB): A statement from an insurance company showing the processing of a claim.
• Medically necessary: Treatments or services that insurance policies will pay for as defined in the contract.
• Non-covered services: Services for which an insurance policy will not provide payment. These services are to be paid by the patient at the time of service.
• Pre-certification/authorization: A service-specific requirement that your insurance company’s approval be obtained before a medical service is provided.
• Provider: A person or organization that provides medical services.