Patients & Visitors
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Why do I receive multiple phone calls from different departments at BWMC?
A:BWMC patients should expect several calls from different BWMC departments depending on the type of past and future visits utilizing the many services we deliver.
Registration:
Pre-scheduled patients may receive calls based on the following.
The amount and accuracy of information received from the scheduling physician may or may not prove to be sufficient for patient identification, safety, insurance and payment criteria. In today's rapidly changing environment, health insurance and demographic information may be outdated or incorrect. Speaking directly with the patient versus the physician's office, family member or friend helps to insure the security, confidentiality and accuracy of our patient's financial and health care information.
An additional call may be required after accurate information is obtained and verified with insurance companies. There may be financial obligations that will need to be communicated and discussed with the patient. This provides the opportunity for any concerns or questions to be directed if further assistance is needed by the patient to meet these obligations.
These concerns may include;
Registration:
Pre-scheduled patients may receive calls based on the following.
The amount and accuracy of information received from the scheduling physician may or may not prove to be sufficient for patient identification, safety, insurance and payment criteria. In today's rapidly changing environment, health insurance and demographic information may be outdated or incorrect. Speaking directly with the patient versus the physician's office, family member or friend helps to insure the security, confidentiality and accuracy of our patient's financial and health care information.
An additional call may be required after accurate information is obtained and verified with insurance companies. There may be financial obligations that will need to be communicated and discussed with the patient. This provides the opportunity for any concerns or questions to be directed if further assistance is needed by the patient to meet these obligations.
These concerns may include;
- Ability to pay co-pays, deductibles or out of pocket charges prior to services being rendered
- The possible need for financial assistance
- The need for a contractual payment agreement spaced over an extended period of time
- Education surrounding the patient's insurance carrier's and BWMC's contractual agreement of where and when particular services may or may not be performed
Emergent Patients may also receive calls due to:
BWMC's inability to collect all financial and/or demographic information due to clinical priorities during the emergency room visit. Additionally, there may be financial obligations of which the patient is unaware. BWMC may be able to offer assistance at this time based on the patient's financial status.
Clinically:
Pre-scheduled patients may receive calls from clinical staff based on the following.
Important clinical information and instructions may need to be communicated prior to any procedure or testing at BWMC. This may include instructions surrounding test results from other facilities that have been completed, medications that may need to be discontinued or changed, testing that may need to be performed due to previous test results. Discussions may also be required regarding previous health history as it relates to the scheduled visit or procedure.
Pre-scheduled or Emergent Patients
Follow up calls may occur after the patient's visit to determine and access health status. Additionally further appointments may need to be scheduled for continued health care concerns or follow up.
At times the private physician's office that is performing the testing, procedure, or surgery may call the patient and be confused as being a BWMC department.
Q:What is an Advanced Directive?
A:Advance directives are documents that state your choice about medical treatment or name someone to make choices about your medical treatment if you're unable to make those choices yourself.
They're called advance directives because they're signed in advance to let your doctor and other health care providers know your wishes concerning medical treatment. Through advance directives, you can make legally valid decisions about your future medical care. However, you must also discuss your wishes with your physician to make the advance directive effective.
Along with the Patient Bill of Rights, Baltimore Washington Medical Center adheres to the principle that all competent adults have the right to make decisions about their health care, including the right to accept or refuse medical or surgical treatment and treatments that may extend or prolong life, such as life-support machines or feeding tubes.
In compliance with state and federal laws, our nursing staff will ask if you have prepared an advance directive. If you provide your advance directive to the staff, a copy will be made and placed in your medical record on each admission.
You don't need an advance directive to receive care.
Click here to download an advance directive.
They're called advance directives because they're signed in advance to let your doctor and other health care providers know your wishes concerning medical treatment. Through advance directives, you can make legally valid decisions about your future medical care. However, you must also discuss your wishes with your physician to make the advance directive effective.
Along with the Patient Bill of Rights, Baltimore Washington Medical Center adheres to the principle that all competent adults have the right to make decisions about their health care, including the right to accept or refuse medical or surgical treatment and treatments that may extend or prolong life, such as life-support machines or feeding tubes.
In compliance with state and federal laws, our nursing staff will ask if you have prepared an advance directive. If you provide your advance directive to the staff, a copy will be made and placed in your medical record on each admission.
You don't need an advance directive to receive care.
Click here to download an advance directive.
Q:How do I access the medical center after hours?
A:The main lobby of the medical center closes at 9 p.m. After 9 p.m. you must enter through the emergency department. Parking is available directly across from the emergency department.
Q:How do I make an appointment?
A:To make an appointment you'll need to call the department that you'll be requesting an appointment with. Click here for a list of phone numbers.
Q:Why do I need to go to the Admitting Department before going to the location where my diagnostic test will be performed?
A:All patient demographics and insurance information must be verified when you arrive. Authorization for services from the insurance company then must be obtained to ensure that you and your insurance company will be billed accurately.
Q:May I take flowers or gifts to a patient at BWMC?
A:Gifts are allowed on all units. Flowers are allowed on all units except the Critical Care Unit. A selection of flowers and gifts is available at our gift shop located near the hospital's courtyard. Due to latex allergies, only Mylar balloons are permitted in the medical center.
Q:Why do I need to have a visitor pass?
A:We require everyone entering the medical center to identify themselves and their destination within the hospital to provide a safer environment for our patients, visitors and staff.
Q:How can I get a copy of my medical records?
A:You may login to myBWMC, the patient portal and submit a request online. Click here to access the portal online or you may download a copy of the form here. Please note that a request for radiology films from the film library is different than requesting medical records. Click here to download a copy of the film request form.