HMO Guide for Seniors - Office of the Patient Advocate - State of ...

51
Questions & Answers
I am going to have surgery.
Can I find out who will do it?
Yes. Ask your doctor. And
ask to meet with the surgeon
ahead of time. To learn more,
visit www.facs.org.
What if I need help when I
come home from the hospital?
You have the right to see a
discharge planner, who will
visit you in the hospital and
help you arrange for the care
you will need. See page 52.
What if I need a special
procedure, but none of the
hospitals in my HMO have
experience with it?
Ask your doctor to ask your
HMO to approve a referral
to a hospital that does have
experience with the procedure.
If your HMO says no, you
can appeal. See page 58.
things you can do
Choosing a Hospital
Ask your doctor or Medicare HMO which hospitals
you can go to. Ask which one treats your health
problem most often.
To compare hospitals and learn about hospital
safety, visit www.calhospitalcompare.org.
Before Your Hospital Stay
Ask your doctor who will be in charge of your
care in the hospital.
Make a follow-up appointment with your doctor.
Arrange for people you trust to visit you or stay
with you in the hospital.
Ask how long you will be in the hospital and how
long it can take to recover.
Ask what help you will need when you go home.
Arrange for someone to take you home from the
hospital. Or use a taxi or paratransit van. Medicare
does not pay for an ambulance to take you home.
Print a Health Worksheet, “Prepare for a Hospital
Stay,” at www.opa.ca.gov.
where to find help
American College of Surgeons
Information on common operations
1-800-621-4111 www.facs.org
Cal Hospital Compare
Compare hospitals www.calhospitalcompare.org
HSAG (Health Services Advisory Group)
Help with hospital discharge appeals
1-800-841-1602 www.hsag.com