FAQs

SURGERY / PATIENT CARE:

Comfortable clothes that are easy to put on for your ride home. All medications except pain pills and muscle relaxers.If your physician has decided you need a brace or a collar after surgery, you may already be fitted with the device – please bring it. If you use a walker or c-pap Machine, please bring them along. Driver’s License and health insurance card(s). Toiletries and personal items (i.e.: comb/brush, toothbrush & toothpaste); shampoo, lotion and soap are provided. Your applicable co-payment. Your insurance summary of benefits. Please do NOT bring valuables (such as jewelry, cash or credit cards).

What are the hospital visiting hours?

8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Children can visit, but we ask that the visit be brief and the child does not have a cold or fever.

Can I have an overnight guest?

The hospital will allow one adult to spend the night in your room. The guest chair folds out and bedding is available. Food service for your guest(s) is available for purchase in the Mosaic Grill.

How long will I have to stay in the hospital?

Your physician will determine how long you need to be in the hospital.

What can I expect out of my stay?

A team of staff including RNs, nurse assistants, physical therapists and possibly an occupational therapist will be working with you. Meals can be ordered “room service” style, any time during the day up until 6:30 p.m. After surgery you will have clear liquids. Once the RN has determined you are able to tolerate “regular” food, you will be able to advance to a more solid diet. Depending on the type of surgery you are undergoing, you may stay in bed the day of surgery but be out of bed the next morning. For those undergoing more minor surgeries, you will be up and around when you get to your room after surgery. It is very important to get up and move around. Complications can be avoided by activity and although moving will hurt, it also helps lessen pain by working out the stiffness in your muscles. Pain control is also an important aspect of care after surgery. Everyone has pain but your pain will be controlled as much as possible with medications through an IV or pain pills or a combination of both. We will be asking you to rate your pain from a 1 to 10 (10 being the worst pain you have had).

MEDICAL RECORDS / PRIVACY:

How do I obtain a copy of my medical records or have a copy sent to another health care provider?

You will need to send a written authorization, signed and dated by you, to our Health Information Management Department. An authorization is available for you to print from our web site.

Is there a charge for obtaining copies of my medical records?

There is no charge if the copies are going to another health care provider for your continued treatment. For other uses, there is a fee of $15.34 plus 51 cents per page. This fee is set by the Kansas State Legislature and is updated on a yearly basis.

What is a “Notice of Privacy Practices”?

This is a notice that we are required by federal law to give you the first time you obtain health care services from us. It tells you how we will use your protected health information and your rights concerning the use of that information.

Can I restrict the use of my protected health information?

Yes. If you wish to restrict the use of your protected health information, please let the representative know during registration. They will give you the correct forms to complete. If we can accommodate your request without compromising your care, we will.

Can family members call the hospital to obtain information about my medical condition?

On admission, you will be given a code number. Anyone who knows that code number can call the nurses and receive an update on your condition. If they do not know the code number, we will not release any information about your medical condition.

Can I opt out of the hospital directory?

Yes. If you do not wish anyone calling the hospital to know that you are here, just let the representative know during registration. They will give you the correct forms to complete.

BILLING:

Will my hospital visit / charges be covered by my insurance?

Kansas Spine Hospital does not contract with commercial insurance companies. As a result, our Chief Financial Officer has decided NOT to penalize patients for using Kansas Spine Hospital. This means that you will be responsible for any deductible, co-pay and co-insurance as if you were utilizing a contracting facility.

What is a Summary of Benefits?

Summary of Benefits is the booklet that your insurance company provides at the beginning of each contract year that describes your insurance coverage. This is the information that will tell us what your health insurance will pay for certain procedures, tests and hospitalization.

What does it mean when I hear that Kansas Spine Hospital is an out-of-network facility?

Kansas Spine Hospital does not have a contract with any of the third-party insurance companies to serve as a “preferred facility”. If your insurance has “out-of-network” benefits, you may still use Kansas Spine Hospital and you will not be assessed additional charges.

Will I owe Kansas Spine Hospital money since they don’t penalize me for the hospital being out-of-network?

You are still responsible for your co-payment, co-insurance and deductible as may apply to your policy. In addition, you may receive a bill from other service providers during your hospital stay. For example, anesthesiologist, lab, radiologist, etc.

AMENITIES:

Can I use my laptop computer when I’m at the Hospital?

Stay connected during your visit to the Kansas Spine Hospital, LLC. High-speed wireless internet service is now available. Both patients and visitors will have all the speed they need to quickly and easily check e-mail and surf the web. This service is available in all patient rooms, the waiting areas, and the hospital restaurant. It is simple and easy to use. All you need to get going is your notebook computer or your hand-held device (like a Palm Pilot) with a Wi-Fi (802.11b) wireless card and a SpineNet account which can be obtained when you arrive at the hospital to check in.

What amenities does the KSH offer?

Flat screen television in each guest room
Mosaic Grill (M-F 6am – 7pm / Sat & Sun 6am – 6pm)
Games / Playing Cards
Chapel
24-hour Security Staff
Smoke-Free Environment with Designated Smoking Area(s)