What Patients Should Know Before Hospital Admission

Introduction

Getting admitted to a hospital can be stressful—whether it’s a planned procedure or an emergency. But being informed and prepared can make a huge difference in your experience and outcome. At GoHealth NetworX, we’re here not only to help patients connect with the right hospitals and doctors but also to empower you with the right information.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know before hospital admission—from understanding the paperwork, insurance procedures, patient rights, what to carry, to how GoHealth NetworX can assist in making your journey smooth.

Understand the Reason for Admission

Before anything else, understand the reason you’re being admitted:

  • Is it a planned admission (like surgery or treatment)?

  • Or is it an emergency?

Talk to your doctor and ask:

  • What condition or diagnosis is leading to admission?

  • What treatment will be provided during your stay?

  • How long is the expected duration of hospitalization?

Being clear about the reason will help you prepare better both mentally and financially.

Know the Hospital Admission Process

Each hospital may have slightly different procedures, but the basics are usually the same.

For Planned Admissions

  • Doctor provides an admission note or recommendation

  • Visit the hospital admission desk with your ID and insurance details

  • Fill out an admission form

  • Choose room category (General, Semi-private, Private, ICU)

  • Submit insurance pre-authorization if needed

For Emergency Admissions

  • Patient is taken directly to the Emergency/ICU

  • Relatives need to submit identity and insurance details as soon as possible

  • An initial deposit may be required

GoHealth NetworX can help you coordinate with hospitals to fast-track this process.

Required Documents Checklist

Always carry the following documents:

  • Aadhaar Card / PAN Card / Passport (ID Proof)

  • Doctor’s prescription or admission advice

  • Previous medical records, test reports, and prescriptions

  • Health Insurance Card / TPA ID Card

  • Corporate Letter (if admitted under a corporate plan)

  • Any referral letter (if transferred from another hospital)

  • COVID Vaccination Certificate (if asked by the hospital)

Advice: Carry both original and photocopies, and keep digital copies on your phone or email for backup.

Understand Your Health Insurance Coverage

Health insurance plays a crucial role during hospitalization. Here’s what you must check:

Network Hospitals

Is the hospital a network hospital under your insurer? If yes, you may be eligible for cashless treatment.

Pre-authorization

For planned admissions, a pre-authorization form must be submitted to your insurer for approval.

Room Rent Limit

Some insurance policies have limits (for example, ₹3,000/day room rent for 3 Lac Insurance limit). Choosing a higher-category room may lead to proportionate deduction.

Coverage Exclusions

Know what’s not covered—such as registration fees, food charges, and non-medical items like gloves or toiletries.

GoHealth NetworX can guide you through cashless processing, pre-auth submissions, and insurance-related queries.

Hospital Charges and Billing Transparency

You have the right to know what you’re paying for. Always ask for:

  • Room rent and nursing charges

  • Procedure or surgery charges

  • Diagnostic charges

  • Doctor consultation charges

  • Medicine and consumables cost

Request daily expense updates if you’re admitted for more than two days. This helps avoid billing surprises.

Know Your Rights as a Patient

Indian hospitals, especially NABH-accredited ones, follow a Patient Rights Charter. You are entitled to:

  • Clear information about your condition and treatment

  • Informed consent before surgery or high-risk procedures

  • Right to choose or refuse treatment

  • Confidentiality of your medical information

  • Right to know the name of your treating doctor

  • Right to receive an itemized bill

If you feel your rights are being violated, you can raise a grievance with the hospital or through GoHealth NetworX’s support.

What to Carry to the Hospital

Here’s a quick Hospital Admission Bag Checklist:

  • All required documents (as mentioned above)

  • 2–3 sets of clothes (hospital gowns may be provided)

  • Innerwear and socks

  • Personal toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, comb)

  • Mobile phone and charger

  • Regular medications (if any)

  • ID proof of caretaker or relative

  • Blanket or bedsheet (if preferred)

How GoHealth NetworX Helps You Before and After Admission

At GoHealth NetworX, our goal is to bridge the gap between patients and quality healthcare providers. Here’s how we support you:

Before Admission

  • Help you choose the right hospital for your condition

  • Check cashless availability at network hospitals

  • Support with insurance-related queries

  • Provide documentation checklist and step-by-step guidance

During Admission

  • Assist in TPA desk coordination

  • Help track claim status or delays

  • Communicate with hospital administration if required

After Discharge

  • Guide you on final billing and insurance settlement

  • Collect feedback about hospital services

  • Refer you to specialists for follow-up care if needed

You’re never alone when GoHealth NetworX is with you.

Frequently Asked Questions.

You can choose to pay upfront (reimbursement later), or request GoHealth NetworX to help with alternate hospitals.

Yes, but check if it fits within your insurance room rent cap to avoid extra charges.

Typically within 4 to 6 hours for planned cases. Emergency approvals are faster.

It depends on the treatment. Some surgeries allow same-day discharge, others may require 2–5 days or more.

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