Admissions Information

It is, and has always been, the policy of St. Joseph Medical Center to admit all persons without regard to race, color, creed, sex, sexual preference, age, physical and mental handicap, national origin, social or economic status. All medical center facilities are available to patients and visitors without discrimination.

Having a surgical procedure, no matter how simple or complex, can raise your anxiety level. At St. Joseph Medical Center, the experienced staff in Pre-Admission Testing strives to alleviate your concerns and answer any questions you might have regarding your procedure.  Our conscientious staff members serve as central points of communications between your doctors and their staff, and all the health professionals involved in your procedure at St. Joseph Medical Center. In addition to the main hospital, pre-admission testing can also be performed at St. Joseph Health Network at Maidencreek in Blandon, or at St. Joseph Health Network at Spring Ridge.

Paperwork is processed ahead of time so it is one less concern on the day of admission. As part of the pre-admission testing process, our staff will verify your insurance information, record your medical history, and conduct any routine medical test including x-ray, blood work, and electrocardiogram (EKG). In addition, a member of our nursing staff will meet with you to review your procedure and answer any of your questions.

Your physician's office will schedule the date and time of your pre-admission testing. If they are unable to do so, someone from the Pre-Admission Testing office will call you. While some tests can be completed up to 30 days before your scheduled surgical procedure, all testing must be completed at least 72 hours (three days) prior to admission. During your appointment, a member of the Anesthesia Department will ask you questions relevant to anesthesia and also discuss your options for anesthesia. If you need to change the appointment, please call 610-378-2451.

Please bring the following items with you to your appointment:

• A list of medications you are currently taking, including dosage and times taken.
• Any forms given to you by your surgeon or personal physician.
• Driver's license or photo identification card.
• Medicare card.
• Insurance cards, including those of your spouse if you are covered by his/her plan.
• HMO approval form or other insurance forms required by your company.

Arrangements should be made prior to your admission date for payment of all costs not covered by insurance. If you are admitted in an emergency situation, a representative from our Credit Department will meet with you or your family to discuss financial arrangements for any costs not covered by insurance.

Consistent with our principles of Catholic faith-based healthcare ministry, St. Joseph Regional Health Network shall treat any patient seeking urgent or emergent care without regard to patient’s ability to pay for care. St. Joseph Regional Health Network also provides Financial Assistance (Charity Care) to both inpatients and outpatients who are uninsured, underinsured, medically indigent or meet presumptive eligibility criteria. If you are in need of Financial Assistance, please contact our financial counselors at 610-378-2276. The Department is open Monday thru Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

• Personal items: pajamas, robe, slippers, and personal toiletries (e.g., comb, brush, toothpaste and toothbrush)
• Items such as eyeglasses and dentures
• Maternity patients are reminded to bring clothing for the new baby to wear home.
• A list of medications you are currently taking.

All mail, flowers and gifts addressed to you will be delivered directly to your room. Flowers are not permitted in the Critical Care Unit, and may not be permitted for patients with certain conditions. If you have questions, check with the nursing staff. If you wish to send mail to someone outside the hospital, please affix the appropriate amount of postage and give it to the nursing staff.

Proper nutrition can play an important role in the healing process. All of your meals will be prepared by the medical center in accordance with your physician’s orders and your preference. You will select meals, based on your dietary needs/restrictions, on the day they are consumed. Your physician may require a special diet for you, which our dietitian will formulate, incorporating your food preferences as much as possible. Many patients are on special or restricted diets. Family and friends are reminded not to bring food and/or drinks for patients that have not previously been approved by their doctor or nurse.