For Patients at HCA Florida Northside Hospital

To prepare patients for their hospital stay, we present the following guide.

Before you even enter the hospital, a number of preparations will be made via phone, including:

• Your doctor’s office staff will help get approval from your insurance provider. (Some plans require pre-approval.) Ask your insurance provider about costs for which you will be responsible.
• Hospital staff will review your health history.
• Your nursing needs, anesthesia needs (if having surgery) and other care will be planned.
• Appointments will be made for any needed preoperative diagnostic tests.
• Use this time to ask any questions you may have, including payment plans available.
• Arrange to have a family member or friend pick you up and bring you home the day you will be discharged. Our address is:

Northside Hospital
6000 49th St N St Petersburg FL 33709
Phone: (727) 521 - 4411

If you are having surgery, please make sure not to eat or drink anything (even water) after midnight before your surgery. Your doctor may give you additional instructions.

You may bring your glasses, dentures, hearing aids, etc., but HCA Florida Northside Hospital cannot be responsible for the breakage or loss of items kept in your room. 

Please do not bring these items to the hospital:

• Valuables, such as jewelry, money, credit cards, etc.
• Electrical appliances—if you have a specific need, please talk with your nurse.

We want you to have the best experience possible at our hospital. That's why we've compiled this list of tips to guide your healthcare experience.

Have a Living Will (Advanced Directive).

• Let your loved ones know in advance what decisions to make on your behalf in the event you are suddenly unable to do so.
• Make sure your Healthcare Surrogate has a copy of your Living Will, understands your wishes and agrees to follow your wishes.
• It is also a good idea to have an alternative Healthcare Surrogate.

Be involved in your health care.

• Know your health issues.
• Know what is being recommended by your physician(s) and why it is best for you.
• Know your rights and responsibilities.

Ask questions until you understand.

• Why is the test or treatment needed?
• How will it help my condition?
• Is it covered by my insurance?
• What costs will I be responsible for?
• When will I get the results?
• What medications am I being given and why?
• What medication interactions and reactions should I look for?
• What foods should I avoid with these medications?

Take notes.

• Ask your healthcare provider to repeat key points.
• Have a friend or relative listen with you. Two pairs of ears are better than one.

Keep a list of the medications you take.

• Make sure your healthcare providers know what medications you take.

Have a friend, family member or advocate come with you.

• Have someone speak up on your behalf.
• Be comforted by having someone support you.

We are committed to providing you the very best care during your stay. This includes the following.

• Your doctor will visit you as much as needed based on your condition and recovery.
• Our nurses will make sure you receive the care your doctor orders.
• If you have concerns about the care you receive or actions of our staff, please contact the unit clinical manager or director. Their pictures and contact information are posted in patient rooms.
• If you are at risk of falling, please be sure to follow instructions to keep you safe.
• Each person who cares for you will wear an identification badge.
• We are committed to maintaining your privacy and confidentiality.

Our case management team assists with arrangements for your discharge from the hospital, including:

• Any necessary home assistance from a visiting nurse
• Medical equipment or supplies
• Short-term nursing facility placement, if necessary

At HCA Florida Northside Hospital, we are committed to providing you with the best available healthcare along with convenient and reliable billing services. In order to provide easy and reliable billing services, you may inquire about your bill and/or pay your bill online.

Through our Plus Care Network, we have developed a network of agencies who meet our standards and can provide the help you need.

It is your right to choose your post-hospital facility/agency, but as part of our commitment to patient care, it is our responsibility to help you choose the one that will best meet your needs.

We strive to provide you service that will ensure you recommend Northside Hospital to others. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to better service you. Should you have a special need or concern about your care or services, we would like the opportunity to assist you promptly. Please contact the supervisor of the department if staff is unable to respond to your concerns.

If you would like to speak with the administration supervisor after regular business hours, you may do so by calling the hospital operator. Once received, resolution of your concern will be accomplished as promptly as possible.

You may also write to us at:

Northside Hospital
c/o Administrative Services
6000 49th St N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33709

The Agency for Healthcare Administration (the state agency, AHCA) is also available to received concerns about healthcare facilities regardless of whether you have contacted hospital staff, and may be contacted at:

The Agency for Healthcare Administrations (AHCA)
2727 Mahan Drive
Building I, Mailstop 27
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (888) 419-3456

Northside Hospital is proud to be accredited by The Joint Commission. The Joint Commission encourages you to bring your concern to the attention of the hospital. If your concern does not lead to resolution, you may bring your concern to them at:

Office of Quality Monitoring
The Joint Commission
One Renaissance Blvd
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Fax: (630) 792-5636