Before You Arrive

The hospital has established policies to inform the public about Advance Directives. These documents include Directives to Physicians, (also called Living Wills) and Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care. Advance Directives are an important way for you to instruct your physician about your wishes for medical care and life-sustaining measures in the event of serious incapacity. You will receive more information about Advance Directives when you are admitted to the hospital.

You must sign an Authorization for Treatment and/or Surgery form. Authorization for Treatment of Minors must be signed by a parent or guardian.

We are a limited credit granting institution. As a service to our you, the hospital will file insurance claims when policy benefits are assigned to the hospital. Ultimately it is your responsibility to ensure payment. People who have no insurance or choose to bill their own insurance, must make a deposit. Financial arrangements are to be completed prior to discharge. We accept MasterCard and Visa cards only. We also provide financial assistance and can help with insurance questions. Please call our financial counselor at 360.678.7656, ext. 7601 or 321.7656, ext. 7601 for assistance, or email us at myhospital@whidbeygen.org for more information.

Before arriving at Whidbey General Hospital for surgical or non-surgical procedures, we encourage you to call the Patient Registration Department at the hospital, 360-678-7656 or 360-321-7656 ext. 4103/4106, to complete pre-admission forms. Pre-Admission requirements can be met any time after your procedure has been scheduled. This allows the hospital staff to contact your insurance company to meet any necessary requirements prior to your admission. Pre-admission data will be verified and updated upon your admission. Any patient needing diagnostic testing prior to surgery will receive testing when the physician's orders are received.

Most health insurance companies now require you to contact them prior to your hospital stay so they may approve your stay in advance. Please check your policy.

SHIBA is a statewide network of trained volunteers who can help you with your questions about health insurance. For more information, call 1.800.397.4422 or view their webpage at http://www.shiba.org/. A SHIBA representative is at the hospital on a regularly scheduled basis. Please call Community Relations at 360.678.7656 or 321.7656, ext. 4005, or email us at myhospital@whidbeygen.org to schedule an appointment.

Personal items that may be brought to the hospital will be discussed with you by a member of the Ambulatory Surgery staff. Please leave electrical appliances such as hair dryers or electric razors at home. We will provide these items for you. Please do not bring any valuables, cigarettes, or cellular phones.