patient guide

PATIENT GUIDEWelcome to Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

16655 Southwest FreewaySugar Land, Texas 77479houstonmethodist.org/sugarland

To learn more or to make a donation, visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland and click on the red Donate Now button!

A TRADITION OF INNOVATION & COMPASSIONTHE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PRACTICING MEDICINE AND LEADING IT.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital brings the expertise, skill and up-to-the-minute technology of the world-renowned Houston Methodist to Fort Bend and surrounding counties, alleviating the need to travel to the Texas Medical Center for high-quality and compassionate care.

We’re changing what it means to be a community hospital, performing the most advanced surgical and diagnostic techniques available in Fort Bend County, including brain surgery, open heart surgery and joint replacement surgery, to name a few—all backed by a healing focus on compassion, hands-on care and outstanding service.

The physicians and staff of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital deliver the world-class medical care you and your family deserve—with the convenience you desire.

Physician Scheduling: Visit houstonmethodist.org/spg to schedule an appointment online or call 281.274.7500 for a referral.

Outpatient Imaging Scheduling: Visit houstonmethodist.org/online-scheduling or call 281.274.7170.

• Aquatic Therapy

• Birthing Center

- Level II A&B NICU

• Breast Care Center

• Cancer Center

• Cardiology

• Cath Lab

• Diagnostic Imaging

• Emergency Department

• Endoscopy

• Headache & Migraines

• Infusion Center

• Inpatient Services

• Intensive Care

• Joint Center

• Lab

• Occupational Therapy

• Physical Therapy

• Respiratory Therapy

• Speech Therapy

• Spine Center

• Surgical Services

- Robotics Technology

• Wound Care Program

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

16655 Southwest FreewaySugar Land, Texas 77479281.274.7000

houstonmethodist.org/sugarland







• Aquatic Therapy

• Birthing Center

- Level II A&B NICU


• Cancer Center

• Cardiology

• Cath Lab



• Endoscopy


• Infusion Center


• Intensive Care

• Joint Center

• Lab




• Speech Therapy

• Spine Center







• Aquatic Therapy• Birthing Center – Level II A&B NICU• Breast Care Center• Cancer Center• Cath Lab• Diagnostic Imaging• Emergency Department

• Endoscopy• Headaches & Migraines• Heart & Vascular Center• Infusion Center• Inpatient Services• Intensive Care• Joint Center• Lab

• Neuroscience & Spine Center• Occupational Therapy• Physical Therapy• Respiratory Therapy• Speech Therapy• Surgical Services – Robotics Technology• Wound Care Program

OUR SERVICES:

THE RIGHT THERAPY THE RIGHT THERAPISTS

Schedule Now: 281.274.0123

Three Convenient Locations:Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital16655 Southwest FreewaySugar Land, Texas 77479Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Rehab and speech services located in the Neuroscience & Spine Center off Town Center Blvd.

Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine16811 Southwest Freeway, Suite 100Sugar Land, Texas 77479Monday – Thursday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.Friday: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Houston Methodist Sienna PlantationPhysical Therapy Services8330 Hwy 6, Suite 200Missouri City, Texas 77459Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Physical therapy only

Occupational/Hand TherapyAquatic TherapyPhysical Therapy

Today’s advanced therapy techniques can help make your recovery easier and faster. Choosing the right facility — and the right physical, occupational or speech therapists — can make all the di�erence.

Our therapists are: • Board-certifiedspecialistsinsports,orthopedicsand hand therapy. • Fellowshiptrainedinmanipulativeandmanualtherapy. • Certifiedstrengthandconditioningspecialists. • CertifiedforBIGandLOUDtherapyforParkinson’spatients.

Service and compassionate care go hand in hand at our state-of-the-artfacility.Ourmultidisciplinaryteamcoversthe entire spectrum of services patients need to continue their recovery from illness, injury or disease. We offer certifiedspecialistsandleading-edgetechniquestohelp patients return to the highest possible quality of life.

Whether the goal is to get you back in the game, back to work,orbacktoyourhobbiesandpassions,ourtherapists willbewithyoueverystepoftheway.

Welcome to Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

I am pleased to welcome you to Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has been serving Fort Bend and the surrounding counties since 1998. Residents have come to rely on us to deliver high-quality compassionate care and leading-edge technology that was once available only at Houston Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center.

During your time with us, you may have questions about the hospital, your stay or the many services we offer patients and guests. This patient information guide has been written and designed to help answer those questions.

We understand that hospitalization can be a stressful time for patients and their families. Rest assured that we are here to assist you. Please feel free to contact our Guest Relations department at 281.274.7806 to let us know how we can make your stay with us more comfortable.

Thank you for choosing Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

Sincerely,

Chris SiebenalerChief Executive Officer

MissionTo provide high quality, cost-effective health care that provides for the comfort of our patients and delivers the best value to the community and people we serve in a spiritual environment of caring.

VisionHouston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is the premier hospital in the Fort Bend community that provides exemplary care through the loving hands and hearts of top-quality physicians and staff. We promise to cultivate a safe, spiritual and healing environment.

MethodistSugarLand.com : 3

Welcome to Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

I am pleased to welcome you to Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has been serving Fort Bend and the surrounding counties since 1998. Residents have come to rely on us to deliver high-quality compassionate care and leading-edge technology that was once available only at �e Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center.

During your time with us, you may have questions about the hospital, your stay or the many services we o�er patients and guests. �is patient information guide has been written and designed to help answer those questions.

We understand that hospitalization can be a stressful time for patients and their families. Rest assured that we are here to assist you. Please feel free to contact our Guest Relations department at 281-274-7806 to let us know how we can make your stay with us more comfortable.

�ank you for choosing Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

Sincerely,

Chris SiebenalerChief Executive O�cer

MissionTo provide high quality, cost-e�ective health care that provides for the comfort of our patients and delivers the best value to the community and people we serve in a spiritual environment of caring.

VisionMethodist Sugar Land Hospital is the premier hospital in the Fort Bend community that provides exemplary care through the loving hands and hearts of top-quality physicians and sta�. We promise to cultivate a safe, spiritual and healing environment.

2 | PHYSICIAN REFERRAL 281.274.7500

Welcome to Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital 1

About Us 3

Your Satisfaction 4

Telephone Directory 5

During Your Stay 6

Visitors 6

CarePages™ 6

Visitor Guidelines 6

Upon Admission 7

Calling Your Nurse 7

Patient Safety 7

Interpreters 7

For the Hearing Impaired 7

Telephone 7

Admission 7

Outpatient Services 7

Valuables 8

ATM 8

Security 8

Cell Phones 8

Wireless Internet Service 8

Lost and Found 8

Weapons 8

Smoking 8

Fire Safety 8

Electrical Appliances 8

Mail and Flowers 8

Patient Meals 9

Guest Trays 9

Starbucks 9

Vending Machines 9

Pharmacy 9

Spiritual Care 9

Gi� Shop 9

Cafeteria 9

Customer Service 10

Guest Relations/Concerns 10

Guest Relations in Spanish 10

Television Channel Listing 11

Speak Up! 12

Rights & Responsibilities 13

Spanish Rights & Responsibilities 14

Stay Safe 17

Prevent Infections 21

Five Things You Can Do to Prevent Infection 21

Five Steps to Safer Health Care 24

What are Your Advance Directives? 25

Spanish Advance Directives 28

Your Privacy & Information 31

Spanish Your Privacy & Information 36

Do You Have Pain? 43

Don’t Leave Until... 44

Preparing to Leave the Hospital 46

For the Caregiver 49

Resources 50

Giving Back 52

Medication Tracker 53

Interpretation Services 54

Nominate a Nurse 55

IN THIS GUIDE

houstonmethodist.org/sugarland | 3

About Us

For more than a decade, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has been an integral part of the Fort Bend community, offering both state-of-the-art technology and excellent medical care in a unique, home-like environment.

Our success begins with a patient-centric operational philosophy. That approach can be seen in things big and small — our dedication to providing the widest possible range of services; our significant capital investments in advanced technology; and the convenient design and comfortable décor of our facilities.

But what really sets us apart is the quality of our people and their commitment to our patients’ well-being.

Our healing mix of values-based personal care and service can be seen in our staff and within our commitment by truly living Houston Methodist I CARE values. Our employees display Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence in their daily interactions with patients, family members, our medical staff and one another.

Dedication to serving others, in conjunction with our innovative technology, training and expertise, has enabled us to be chosen as one of America’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” by FORTUNE magazine. We have also achieved the Pathway to Excellence™ designation for the third time, awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. This designation identifies hospitals that are the “best places to work” for nurses in the country.

This commitment is also fully supported by our more than 800 top-quality physicians — representing the full range of medical specialties — who combine I CARE values with a level of expertise, knowledge and skill that is second to none.

Our Address16655 Southwest FreewaySugar Land, Texas 77479281.274.7000

Values Statement: I CAREIntegrity: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.

Compassion: We embrace the whole person and respond to emotional, ethical and spiritual concerns as well as physical needs.

Accountability: We hold ourselves accountable for our actions.

Respect: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity and value.

Excellence: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

Your Opinion CountsSoon a�er you are discharged, you will receive a patient satisfaction survey in the mail. Please take the time to complete and return the survey. Your feedback is an important part of our goal to continually improve the care and services we provide.


Your Satisfaction

We encourage your feedback to improve care.Your health care is our priority. To determine where improvements are needed, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital takes part in the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Health Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey. The HCAHPS survey measures your satisfaction with the quality of your care. It is designed to be a standardized tool for measuring and reporting satisfaction across all hospitals in the U.S.

After you are released from the hospital, you may be selected to participate in the HCAHPS survey. The survey asks questions about your hospital stay. Please take the time to fill out the HCAHPS survey; your feedback is valuable!

What is HCAHPS?The HCAHPS survey is backed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The survey is issued to improve the quality of health care. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services makes survey results public so hospitals are aware of where changes are needed. The results also enable health care consumers to review and compare hospitals before choosing a health care provider.

You are part of the teamCommunicate It’s your health; don’t be afraid to ask your doctors and nurses questions.

Participate You are the center of your health care team so ask questions, understand your treatment plan and medications and communicate with your doctors and nurses.

Appreciate There are hundreds of people in the hospital who need help; please be patient as doctors and nurses attend to everyone.

Hospital Compare is a government website that allows users to compare the quality of care provided by hospitals. The information provided on this website is based on HCAHPS survey results.

hospitalcompare.hhs.gov

DNV Healthcare Inc. DNV is a leading provider of hospital accreditation, infection risk management and standards development. The company was approved in 2008 by the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to accredit acute care hospitals in the United States. DNV has also developed quality-based certifications for medical specialty areas. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has stroke certification from DNV. Globally, DNV Healthcare is extending the NIAHO accreditation platform to hospitals seeking to establish consistent, benchmarked standards for quality of care and patient safety. Furthermore, DNV evaluates hospital performance using ISO 9001 standards. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital will seek ISO 9001 designation in 2016.

dnvaccreditation.com


Please visit us athoustonmethodist.org/sugarland

Calling WITHIN the HospitalDial the last five digits of the number.

Local calling OUTSIDE the HospitalPress “9” and dial your number.

MAIN NUMBER 281.274.7000

4 East 2 8 1 . 2 7 6 . 1 9 2 7

4 West 2 8 1 . 2 7 6 . 1 9 0 0

5 East 281.276.3027

5 West 281.276.3000

6 East 281.275.0670

6 West 281.275.0660

Billing 832.667.5900

Birthing Center 281.274.7080

Breast Center 281.242.7465

Cafeteria 281.276.8537

Cancer Center 281.274.7800

Case Management 2 8 1 . 2 74 . 7 1 0 8

Diabetes Education 7 1 3 . 4 4 1 . 5 9 7 5

Directions to Hospital 281.274.7000

Emergency Department 2 8 1 . 2 74 . 7 1 1 7

Gift Shop — Main Pavilion 2 8 1 . 2 74 . 0 1 3 5

Gift Shop — Mom and Baby 281.274.8338

Guest Relations 281.274.7806

Headache Center 281.276.8999

ICU — Main 281.274.8050

ICU — Sweetwater 281.274.8075

Infusion Center 2 8 1 . 2 7 6 . 8 2 0 1

Joint Center Coordinator 281.275.0520

Medical Records 2 8 1 . 2 74 . 7 8 1 4

Neuroscience & Spine Center 2 8 1 . 3 1 3 . 2 2 2 5

Outpatient Scheduling 2 8 1 . 2 74 . 7 1 7 0

Patient Food Services 281.274.8360

Patient Information 281.274.7000

Physician Referral 281.274.7500

Pre-Admission Testing 2 8 1 . 2 74 . 7 0 5 1

Primary Care and Specialist Follow-Up Appointments 2 8 1 . 4 1 3 . 9 4 6 4

Radiology 2 8 1 . 2 74 . 7 1 7 1

Receptionist 2 8 1 . 2 74 . 0 1 0 4

Safety and Security 2 8 1 . 2 74 . 7 1 1 2

Social Services 2 8 1 . 2 74 . 7 1 0 8

Speakers’ Bureau 281.794.0687

Speech Therapy 281.274.7064

Spiritual Care 2 8 1 . 2 74 . 7 1 6 4

Support Groups 2 8 1 . 2 74 . 7 1 6 4

Women’s Services 281.274.7070

Wound Care Program 281.275.0770

Telephone Directory


During Your Stay

We have guidelines in place to help you and your family members work with our doctors, nurses and staff to get the most from your hospital stay. Please take a few minutes to review these guidelines with your loved ones.

Visitor GuidelinesPlease ask your friends and relatives to observe our visiting rules:

• Visitors are asked to practice good hand hygiene. Hands should be sanitized or washed before and after all patient contact. Hand gel is located outside each room.

• If the patient’s room has signage on the door for “Isolation,” for your protection, please follow all instructions and check with the patient’s nurse should you have any questions.

• Visitors should ask the nurse for permission before bringing food to patients. Visitors are also discouraged from eating and drinking in the patient’s room.

• Visitors should not visit if they have colds or any infectious diseases.

• A “NO VISITORS” sign may be posted on the door upon request.

This visitation policy is designed to protect patients’ privacy, promote safety and meet the emotional needs of the patient. The purpose of this policy is to create a reasonable, enforceable standard that provides all patients with the opportunity to rest and recover in comfortable surroundings while enabling family, friends and other individuals to be involved in patient care. Visitation privileges will not be restricted, limited or otherwise denied on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. Overall, the policy reflects Houston Methodist’s commitment to provide a safe environment for all patients, visitors and employees.

Visitors are welcome 24 hours a day in most areas of the hospitals. However, certain areas may have shorter visitation hours due to clinical necessity. Patients and visitors should check with staff in the patient care unit to confirm the policy for that area. Additional restrictions to the visitation policy may be initiated by an executive order due to a local or national crisis, pandemic or other special situation.

Patients have the right to choose who may and may not visit them. Individual patient preferences regarding the hours and duration of visitation will be accommodated as clinically appropriate. The number of visitors per patient may be limited based on patient request, clinical necessity or in consideration of the other patients.

Visitors may be requested to step out of the room so that the staff may provide care to the patient. All persons should refrain from visiting if they have a runny nose, cough or other symptoms of respiratory infection, diarrhea or any other suspected contagious disease.

A visitor is permitted to remain overnight. Overnight sleeping in public waiting areas is not permitted. Patients are not authorized to remain in public waiting areas and should remain on their unit after hours.

VisitorsVisitors entering the hospital between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. are required to sign in at the Emergency Department entrance or the Sweetwater Pavilion North entrance. A�er 10 p.m. the elevators require badge access.

CarePages™CarePages are private, personalized web pages provided to you as a free service by the hospital.

CarePages enable you to:

• Receive support from friends and family. Visitors to your CarePage send you messages of encouragement, giving hope and strength even in the most difficult situations.

• Update friends and family at the same time without repeated phone calls. Your CarePage keeps everyone in the loop.

• Control the flow of information. You share news at a time that’s right for you. Friends and family call less o�en since they’re automatically e-mailed when you post a new update.

• Keep in touch before, during and a�er hospitalization. Your CarePage works for you as long as you want it to.

To get started, visit carepages.com/methodisthealth.


Houston Methodist is committed to providing a safe, healthy environment that is free from violence or threats of violence. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital does not tolerate behavior, whether direct or through the use of hospital facilities, property or resources that:• Is violent• Threatens violence• Harasses or intimidates others• Interferes with an individual’s legal rights of movement or expression• Disrupts the workplace, the environment of care or the hospital’s ability to

provide and deliver safe, quality care, service and treatment to the public

Upon AdmissionYour admission and type of medical care are arranged by your physician. Upon admission to your room, you will be oriented regarding what to expect during your stay with us. A complete admission history and assessment will be completed by our nursing team. At that time, the plan of care and expected length of stay will be discussed. Each day, your nurse will review the plan of care with you, as well as your goals for that day. It is our goal to deliver excellent patient care and involve your family in your care, when possible.

Calling Your NurseTo contact your nurse, press your call button on your bed or television remote. Each department has a unit secretary that answers the calls and will route your concerns to your nurse or patient care assistant.

Patient Safety — To Prevent FallsThe hospital has an active safety program, and all personnel are trained to prevent accidents. You can help by using the call button whenever you need assistance. Unless you have been told it is all right to do so, do not try to get out of bed or a wheelchair without assistance.

InterpretersHouston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital utilizes the services of the Language Line®. If you need the help of an interpreter, tell your caregiver, and we will obtain the services of someone who speaks your language. We also offer translation services and tools for the hearing impaired. See page 54 for interpretation services. There is no fee for the service.

For the Hearing ImpairedA TDD machine and amplification devices are available for the hearing impaired. They may be obtained by notifying your caregiver.

TelephoneFriends and family can dial directly to all patient rooms. Your direct dial number is listed on your phone or on the dry-erase board in your room. There is no need to go through the hospital operator. Local calls are free. Just press “9” and dial the number. You are responsible for long-distance calls. To make a long distance call, press “9,” then “0,” then the area code and the number you are calling. The operator will ask you for your method of payment (collect or credit card) and will connect your call.

Admission Most inpatients are pre-admi²ed to the hospital or admi²ed through the Emergency Department. If you have questions about the admi²ing process, call patient access services at 281.276.8621. For security reasons, the Main Pavilion, where admissions are handled, is closed to the public between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily. During these hours the only public entrance to the hospital is through the Emergency Department.

Outpatient Services If you are not admi²ed to the hospital, but receive outpatient services, you will be billed according to your insurance plan. If you have questions about outpatient billing, call patient billing services at 832.667.5900.


During Your Stay

Leave Your Valuables at HomePlease do not bring valuables with you to the hospital. If you have valuables, please entrust them to a family member. If there is not a family member available, please ask your nurse to have security take your belongings to the hospital safe. When you are discharged, remember to pick up any valuables stored in the safe. Please call security at 281.274.7112 for additional information. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is not responsible for replacement of personal belongings.

ATMFor your convenience, an automated teller machine (ATM) is available in the atrium of the Main Pavilion and Sweetwater Pavilion.

Security Security services are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week. For an escort to your car or other security related issues, call security at 281.274.7112.

Cell PhonesThe use of cellular phones is allowed in all areas of the hospital, but for patient safety, their use is restricted within three feet of medical equipment. Additionally, certain departments may restrict the use of cell phones if it interferes with patient care. Please set the ring to vibrate to help promote a quiet, healing environment.

Wireless Internet ServiceHouston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has free wireless internet access. Patients and visitors can bring their wireless devices to access the internet in the patient rooms, the cafeteria and in hospital waiting areas.

Lost and FoundTo inquire about lost and found items, call security at 281.274.7112.

WeaponsDo not bring firearms into the hospital. State law prohibits the carrying of firearms on hospital property.

SmokingSmoking is not permitted anywhere in the hospital or on hospital grounds, including the medical office buildings and the parking areas.

Fire SafetyWe periodically conduct fire drills. If you hear an alarm, stay where you are. In the event of an actual emergency, hospital staff will notify you.

Electrical AppliancesPatient and visitor non-medical equipment is allowed to be used in the hospital as long as it does not interfere with the care of the patient. These items include electronic equipment such as computers, and personal grooming equipment such as electronic razors and hair dryers. Hospital staff may ask for the equipment to be removed or not used, if they feel it is unsafe or disruptive to patient care.

Patients being admitted to the hospital with personal medical equipment will be provided hospital owned equipment to replace theirs while they are an admitted patient. An exception to this process will be allowed if there is a clinically significant compromise to the patient’s care by using hospital provided equipment and will require an accompanying physician’s order, supplies provided by the patient and the patient or family care provider demonstrates competency to safely operate the device.

Mail and FlowersMail and flowers sent to you by loved ones will be delivered to your room upon arrival. Mail received after you have been discharged will be forwarded to your home address. Flowers received after you leave will be returned to the florist. Please be aware that live flowers or plants are not allowed in the intensive care unit; however, silk arrangements are permissible. Flowers can be ordered through the gift shop by calling 281.274.0135 (Main Pavilion Gift Shop) or 281.274.8338 (Mom and Baby Gift Shop).


Gi� ShopThe hospital has two gi� shops to help meet your needs. The gi� shop in the Main Pavilion is located at the main entrance near the information desk. The gi� shop in the Sweetwater Pavilion is located at the main entrance to the le� of the information desk.

Hours of Operation:Main Pavilion Gi� ShopM-F 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.Sat-Sun 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Mom and Baby Gi� ShopLocated in the Sweetwater Pavilion M-F 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.Sat-Sun 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Where’s the Cafeteria?The Garden Café is located in the atrium of the Main Pavilion and is open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Visitors are welcome to dine in the cafeteria.

Hours of Operation: Breakfast (Mon - Sun)7 - 10 a.m.

Lunch/Dinner (Mon - Fri)11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Lunch (Sat - Sun)11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Patient MealsHouston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital offers a unique food service we call “Just For You” room service, which is available between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., seven days a week. This service allows you to order your meal when you are hungry. Food arrival time is approximately 45 minutes. Please call extension 48360 for this service. A full-time dietitian is on staff to ensure that any special nutritional needs are met. For any questions or concerns regarding food service, please call the patient food services manager at extension 47919.

Guest TraysGuest trays are available for your visitors for the price of $12 per meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner). Guest trays are brought to the patient’s room and each guest tray consists of a standard regular service meal. Guest trays are not permitted in the ICU. Please call extension 48360 for this service.

StarbucksStarbucks is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Main Pavilion located on the second floor near surgery waiting. There is also a Starbucks on the first floor of the Sweetwater Pavilion open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both locations are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Vending MachinesThe vending machine is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week and is located next to the Emergency Department.

PharmacyThe hospital pharmacy will provide the medications your doctor orders during your stay. The hospital has a closed formulary (list of medications stocked) and at times may not have all of the medications on your list. For your safety, non-FDA regulated herbals and supplements will not be dispensed or administered. In these instances, the pharmacist will work with your physician and nurse to determine the best alternative. It may be necessary for the hospital to administer medications you bring from home. A review of your home medications will be done upon admission, during your hospital visit and again when you are discharged to completely reconcile your medication lists across the care visit. At discharge, be sure to ask about which medications you should continue to take at home and if there are any medications you will no longer need to take. It is important that we partner together in meeting all of your medication needs, and we are here to answer any questions you may have about your prescribed medications.

Spiritual CareOur Department of Spiritual Care desires to provide you with excellent spiritual attention during your stay in our facility. Our staff chaplains, volunteer lay ministers, holy communion ministers and CanCare volunteers offer 24-hour pastoral support, as well as spiritual resources, including Bibles (in English, Spanish and six additional languages), scripture cards, prayer ministry, bereavement ministry and more.


During Your Stay

We can also assist you with biomedical ethics issues, including establishing a Medical Power of Attorney or Directive to Physician, otherwise known as Advance Directives. (See pages 25-30 for English and Spanish versions.) Regardless of your religion or faith, we strive to provide you with the resources you need to fulfill your spiritual needs with excellence.

Our chapels, located on the second floor of the Main Pavilion near surgery waiting and on the first floor of the Sweetwater Pavilion near the patient elevators, are open 24 hours. The Muslim Prayer Room is located in the Sweetwater Pavilion, first floor. If you are in need of pastoral assistance, please call 281.274.7164. For any emergencies, please ask the hospital operator to contact the on-call chaplain.

Guest Relations/ConcernsThe Guest Relations Department is staffed by patient liaisons that are available to help patients with any questions or concerns that may arise during or after their admission. A patient liaison is available to all patients Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m.–9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

If you have any special requests, questions or concerns about your care, please contact the Guest Relations Department at 281.274.7806.

Quality health care is our priority. If you have a suggestion for improvement or a concern about your care, we ask you to make this known to the Quality Management Department. At Houston Methodist, our operations are tirelessly reviewed for ways to improve the care we offer our patients.

The Guest Relations Department will send a resolution letter to you with the investigative results, date of completion and contact person. In some cases, investigations may take longer; however, we will keep you informed if this is the case.

If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your investigation, you may contact the organizations listed at left.

Relaciones con el Paciente/ InquietudesEl Departamento de Relaciones con el Paciente cuenta con personal de enlace para ayudar a los pacientes ante cualquier duda o inquietud que pueda surgir durante o después de su ingreso al hospital. El servicio de enlace está disponible para todos los pacientes de Lunes a Viernes de 8:30 a.m. a 9 p.m. y Sábado a Domingo, 10 a.m. a 9 p.m.

Si tiene algún pedido, pregunta o inquietud acerca del cuidado de su salud, póngase en contacto con el Departamento de Relaciones con el Paciente: 281.274.7806.

Si usted eleva una inquietud, ésta será investigada por los departamentos pertinentes del hospital y se llevarán los resultados al Departamento de Control de Calidad.

El Departamento de Relaciones con el Paciente le enviará una carta de resolución con los resultados de la investigación, la fecha de finalización y una persona de contacto. Sin embargo, en algunos casos la investigación puede llevar más tiempo; lo mantendremos informado si este fuera el caso.

Si usted no estuviera satisfecho con el resultado de la investigación, podrá ponerse en contacto con las organizaciones listadas a la izquierda.

Customer ServiceTexas Department of State Health ServicesP.O. Box 149347Austin, TX [email protected]

Hospital Complaint DNV Healthcare, Inc.400 Techne Center Drive, Suite 100Milford, OH [email protected]

KePRORock Run Center5700 Lombardo Center Dr.Seven Hills, OH 441311.844.430.9504www.keproqio.com

Customer Service – CMS (Servicio al Cliente) – Región 61301 Young St., Suite 714Dallas, TX 75202

Quality of Care Complaints (Quejas sobre Calidad de Atención)[email protected]

The Office for Civil Rights (Departamento de Derechos Civiles) (Temas de discriminación)Department of Health and Human Services (Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos) 1301 Young St., Suite 1169Dallas, TX 75202


2 CHANNEL GUIDE3 ACTION MOVIES4 FAMILY MOVIES5 IN-HOUSE PATIENT EDUCATION6 CHILDREN MOVIES7 RELAXING SCENES8 FOX 269 CW3910 UPN MY2011 CBS12 NBC13 ABC14 UNIVISION15 TELEMUNDO16 THE WEATHER CHANNEL17 UPLIFTING CHANNEL18 THE CHURCH CHANNEL19 IN-HOUSE SPIRITUAL CARE20 TRAVEL CHANNEL21 NEWBORN CHANNEL22 FOX NEWS23 CNN BREAKING NEWS24 CLUE TV/SLEUTH25 INVESTIGATION DISCOVERY26 FOX SPORTS SOUTHWEST27 ESPN28 ESPN 229 ESPN NEWS30 ESPN UNIVERSITY31 NFL/NBA NETWORK32 MILITARY CHANNEL33 HGTV34 GAME SHOW NETWORK

35 USA NETWORK36 TNT37 TBS38 AMC39 DISCOVERY CHANNEL40 TLC41 ANIMAL PLANET42 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC43 PBS44 NICKELODEON45 DISNEY JR.46 ABC FAMILY47 OWN48 HALLMARK CHANNEL49 OXYGEN50 WOMEN’S ENTERTAINMENT51 FOOD NETWORK52 A&E53 SYFY54 TRU TV55 SCIENCE CHANNEL56 LIFETIME57 REELZ MOVIE CHANNEL58 OVATION CHANNEL59 FOX MOVIE CHANNEL60 TV LAND61 F/X62 BIOGRAPHY CHANNEL63 HISTORY CHANNEL64 HISTORY CHANNEL 265 BRAVO66 E!AUX/HDMI 1 IN-ROOM DVD PLAYER

Television InformationAll patient rooms are outfitted with flat screen televisions. Also, each room is equipped with a DVD player. If your room does not have a remote for the DVD player and you would like one, please let your nurse know. Please be considerate of others by keeping the TV volume down and turning off your TV at bedtime.

Basic television and cable channels are available for you at no extra charge.


Take charge of your care.During your stay, the doctors, nurses and staff of our hospital will treat you and your family as partners in your own care. One important way that you can be involved is to speak up. Ask questions, voice your concerns and don’t be afraid to raise any issues relating not only to your care and treatment, but also to overall hospital services.

In the pages that follow, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to making the most of your hospital stay — how to remain safe, get the information you need, ask the right questions and interact effectively with your doctors, nurses and hospital staff.

Remember:• Write down any questions

you have

• Choose a family member to communicate with the doctors and staff

• Keep a list of doctors you see and their phone numbers

• Keep a list of medications including name, dosage and frequency Step Up and Speak Up

Speak Up: Ask questions and voice concerns. It’s your body and you have a right to know.

Pay A�ention: Make sure you’re getting the right treatments and medicines.

Educate Yourself: Learn about the medical tests you get and your treatment plan.

Find an Advocate: Pick a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate.

What Meds and Why: Know what medicines you take and why you take them.

Check before You Go: Seek care at a hospital, clinic, surgery center or other type of health care organization that meets regulatory institution’s quality standards.

Participate in Your Care: You are the center of the health care team.

Speak Up!


Rights & Responsibilities

As a patient, you have the right to respectful and considerate care. In addition, there are specific rights and responsibilities you have during your hospital stay.

Patient Rights:3The right to a reasonable response to his/her

requests and needs for treatment or service, within the hospital’s capacity, mission and applicable laws and regulations;

3The right to know how Houston Methodist is required and permitted by law to use and disclose his/her health information;

3The right to know his/her health information rights, including the right to access and request amendment of his/her health information and to obtain an accounting of disclosures regarding his/her health information as permitted under applicable law;

3The right to and need for effective communication;

3The right to considerate and respectful care, including the consideration of developmental age, sensory impairment, psychosocial, spiritual and cultural variables, and the comfort and dignity of dying patients;

3The right to know the name of the physician who has primary responsibility for coordinating the care and the names and professional relationships of other physicians and non-physicians who will see the patient;

3The right to receive information about the illness, course of treatment and prospects for recovery in terms that the patient can understand;

3The right, in collaboration with his/her physicians, to make decisions involving his/her health care, including the acceptance or refusal of treatment and the use of advance directives;

3The right to receive, at the time of admission, in a language or method that the patient understands, information about the hospital’s patient rights policy, and the mechanism for initiation, review, and when possible, resolution of patient complaints regarding quality of care;

3The right to voice a concern to the appropriate hospital personnel or to the Texas Department of State Health Services;

3For concerns regarding health information privacy, the right to voice the concern to appropriate hospital personnel or the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services;

3The right to participate in, or have his/her qualified personal representative participate in, the consideration of ethical issues arising in his/her care;

3The right to participate or not to participate in any human experimentation, research or education projects;

3The right, within legal limits, to personal privacy and confidentiality of information. Case discussion, consultation, examination and treatment are confidential and should be conducted discreetly. The patient has the right to be told why any individual is present;

3The right to consent or refuse to consent to recording or filming (photographic, video, electronic or audio material) of him/her or any personal identifiable information for purposes other than the identification, diagnosis or treatment of the patient;

3The right, within legal limits, to access or have his/her qualified personal representative access information contained in his/her medical records;

3The right of his/her guardian, next of kin or qualified personal representative to exercise, to the extent permitted by law, the rights delineated on his/her behalf if he/she is incapable of understanding treatment, unable to communicate his/her wishes, is judged incompetent or is a minor;

3The right to be informed, along with his/her family, when appropriate, of the outcomes of care including unanticipated outcomes;

3The right to have his/her pain managed effectively;

3The right to receive a high standard of patient safety while in the hospital;

3The right to access protective and advocacy services;


3The right to be informed of continuing health care needs following discharge from the hospital; and

3The right to exercise the above rights without regard to sex, economic status, educational background, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status or the source of payment for care.

In turn, patients should accept certain responsibilities, including:3The responsibility to identify himself/herself,

for providing reasonably accurate and complete information about his/her medical history, unexpected changes in his/her current condition, and for asking questions when he/she does not understand medical information he/she has received;

3The responsibility for complying with the directions and instructions of his/her health care providers;

3The responsibility to recognize the effect of his/her lifestyle on health;

3The responsibility for respecting the rights of others, including, but not limited to, other patients and health care providers;

3The responsibility to know the extent and limitations of his/her health care benefits; and

3The responsibility for assuring that the financial obligations associated with his/her care are met in a timely fashion.

Poder legal permanente para atención médica

Derechos de los pacientes:3El derecho a obtener del hospital una respuesta

razonable a los pedidos y necesidades de tratamiento o servicio que el hospital esté en apititud de aproporcionar, que coherente con la función del hospital y sea permitido por las leyes y reglamentaciones vigentes;

3El derecho a saber como el Houston Methodist require y sea permitido por las leyes usa y reveler su información medica;

3El derecho a saber su información médica, incuyendo el derecho al acceso y a pedir enmendar su información médica y a obtener contabilidad de revelacion referente a su información medica como sea permitido por las leyes vigentes;

3El derecho de comunicacion necessaria y efectiva;

3El derecho al tratamiento benevolente y respectuoso, tomando en consideración la edad le carencia de capacidades sensoriales, factores sicosociales, espirituales y culturas, como asi tambien el consuelo y el trato digno a pacientes terminals;

3El derecho de saber el nombre de el medico principal que tendra la responsibilidad de coordinar su cuidado y saber los nombres de calquier otro medico o persona que vera al paciente;

3El derecho a la información sobre la enfermedad, el plan de tratamiento y posibilidad de recuperacion en terminos que pueda comprender el paciente;

Rights & Responsibilities


3El derecho a tomar decisions, conjuntamente con sus médicos, cocermientos a su atencion medica, incluyendo la aceptacion o el rechazo de tratamientos y el uso de directivas anticipadas;

3El derecho a recibir, en el momento de admisión, en el idioma y metodo que el paciente comprenda, la información sobre la política del hospital concemiente a los derechos del paciente, y el mecanismo de presentación, evaluación y, cuando sea posible, resolución de quejas de pacientes concernientes a la calidad de la atención;

3El derecho de expresar su inquietud al personal apropriado del hospital o al Departamento de Salud del Estado de Texas (Texas Department of State Health Services);

3Para inquietudes referente a la privacidad sobre su informacion medica, el derecho de expresar su inquietud al personal apropriado del hospital o al Secretario del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de los Estados Unidos (Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services);

3El derecho a participar, o hacer participar a su representante personal calificado, en el tratamiento de temas eticos emergentes del tipo de atencion medica necesaria;

3El derecho de participar or no participar in experimentos humanos, investigacion o proyectos educativo en el cual el paciente esta participando;

3El derecho, dentro de los límites legales, a la privacidad y confidencialidad de la información. Conversaciones, consultas, examenes, y tratamiento son confidencial y seran conducidos en discreto. El paciente tiene el derecho de saber cual individual esta presente.

3El derecho de dar consentimiento o no dar consentimiento de grabacion o pelicula (fotografia, video, electronico, o material audio) del paciente or de cualquier identificable información personal para cualquier otro motivo ademas de la identificación, diagnosis o tratamiento del paciente.

3El derecho, dentro de los límites legales, a tener acceso, o dejar acceder a su representante personal calificado, a la información contenida en sus registros de antecedentes médicos;

3El derecho de su tutor, familiar o representante personal calificado a ejercitar en su nombre los derechos expuestos, dentro de lo permitido por la ley, si el paciente fuera incapaz de comprender el tratamiento necesario, no pudiera comunicar su voluntad, fuera declarado incompetente o fuera menor de edad;

3El derecho a ser informado, al igual que los familiares, cuando sea apropiado, sobre el resultado del cuidado del paciente, incluyendo situaciones no anticipadas;




3El derecho de tener su dolor controlado effectivamente;

3El derecho de recibir un estandar alto de seguridad mientras que el paciente esta en el hospital;

3El derecho al acceso de servicios de protection y de apoyo;

3El derecho de ser informado sobre la continación del cuidado médico despues de salir del hospital;

3El derecho hacer uso de todos los derechos antedichas sin tomar en cuenta su sexo, situacion economica, educacion, raza, color, religion, ascendencia, origin nacional, orientacion sexual, estado civil, o origin de pago por su cuidado.

A cambio, el paciente debe aceptar ciertas responsabilitades que incluyen:3La responsabilidad de indentificarse, proveer

información correcta de su historia medica, cambios repentinos en su condición y hacer preguntas cuando no entiende la información médica recibida.

3La responsabilidad de cumplir con las directivas e instrucciónes de los proveedores de atencion médica;

3La responsabilidad de reconocer el efecto de su estilo de vida en coneccion a su salud;

3La responsabilidad de respetar los derechos de los demas, incluyendo, aumque no limitándose, a pacientes y proveedores de atención médica;

3La responsabilidad de saber el alcance y limitacion del beneficio con el cuidado de su salud y;

3La responsabilidad de asegurar el cumplimiento punctual de las responsabilidades financieras implicadas en su tratamiento médico.

Prohibición de fumarPara ofrecer un ambiente sano para nuestros pacientes y visitantes, se prohíbe el uso de productos de tabaco dentro y fuera del Hospital Methodist.

Política sobre armas de fuegoPor ley estatal, está prohibido portar armas de fuego en las instalciones del hospital. Si usted posee armas de fuego y debe ingresar al hospital durante una visita, sírvase llamar al departamento de Seguridad del hospital al número 713.441.4246, para depositar el arma en este departamento.

Teléfonos celularesNo se permite prender o usar telefonos celulares en areas de cuidados intensivos, quirofanos, unidades de cuidados de anesthesia, departamento de cateterizacion, cuidado intermediario infantil, laboratorio, y sala de emergencias.

Quejas y ReclamacionesSi usted tiene una queja o reclamación relacionada con cualquier aspecto del cuidado de su salud o del servicio prestado, solicite hablar con el gerente del departamento o supervisor correspondiente. Si después de haber expuesto su queja o problema, siente que éste no fue tratado adecuadamente, favor de comunicarse con un coordinador de pacientes al 713.441.2221. Para después de horas de oficina, durante los fines de semana y los días festivos, podrá comunicarse también por medio de una operadora al 713.441.2201. Si su asunto continúa sin haberse resuelto, puede nortificarlo a la línea de quejas del Departamento de Servicios de la Salud del Estado de Texas [Texas Department of State of Health Services] al 1.888.973.0022, extensión 2613, enviar una queja o reclamación por escrito vía fax al 1.512-834.6653 (At’n: Quejas de Hospitales [Hospital Complaints]), o escribir una carta y enviarla a 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas, 78756-3199.


Stay Safe

You can contribute to health care safety.While you are in the hospital, many people will enter your room, from doctors and nurses to aides and technicians. The following information will help make your hospital stay safe and comfortable.

Employee IDAll hospital employees wear identification badges. Feel free to ask any staff member for his or her name and job classification. If you do not see an ID badge on an employee, please call your nurse immediately.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask…A number of people may enter your hospital room.

Be sure to:

• Ask for the ID of everyone who comes into your room.

• Speak up if hospital staff do not ask to check your ID.

• Ask if the person has washed his or her hands before they touch you.

• If you are told you need certain tests or procedures, ask why you need them, when they will happen and how long it will be before you get the results.

Fighting InfectionsWhile you’re in the hospital to get well, there is the possibility of developing an infection. The single most important thing you can do to help prevent infections is to wash your hands and make sure that everyone who touches you — including your doctors and nurses — wash their hands, too.

You, your family and friends should always wash hands:

1. After touching objects or surfaces in the hospital room

2. Before eating

3. After using the restroom

CHECK ID

Patient IdentificationAny time staff enters your room to administer medications, transport you or perform procedures and treatments, they must check your birth date and name before they proceed. At times, you may be asked the same questions repeatedly. We are aware that this may be annoying. Please understand, however, that this verification process is a critical component in our patient safety program in order to guarantee that all of our patients receive the correct medications and treatments.

Happy Birthday to You!Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 15 to 20 seconds. That’s about the same amount of time that it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.

No Soap? No Problem.Alcohol-based hand cleaners are as effective as soap and water in killing germs. To use, apply the cleaner to the palm of your hand and rub your hands together. Keep rubbing over all the surfaces of your fingers and hands until they are dry.


Stay Safe

It is also important that your health care providers wash their hands with either soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand cleaner every time, both before and after they touch you. Health care providers know to practice hand hygiene, but sometimes they forget. You and your family should not be afraid or embarrassed to speak up and ask them to wash their hands.

Doctors, nurses and other health care providers come into contact with lots of bacteria and viruses, so before they treat you, ask them if they’ve cleaned their hands.

Know Your MedsWhile you are hospitalized, your doctor may prescribe medications for you. Be sure that you understand exactly what they are and why they are being prescribed. Use this checklist to help you get information you need about your medications:

• What is the name of the medicine?

• What is its generic name?

• Why am I taking this medicine?

• What dose will I be taking? How often and for how long?

• When will the medicine begin to work?

• What are the possible side effects?

• Can I take this medicine while taking my other medications or dietary supplements?

• Are there any foods, drinks or activities that I should avoid while taking this medicine?

• Do I need to take the medicine on an empty stomach or with food or a whole glass of water?

• What should I do if I forget to take the medicine and miss a dose?

USE THE MEDICATION TRACKER ON PAGE 53 TO HELP YOU MONITOR YOUR MEDICATIONS.

Preventing Medication ErrorsBy taking part in your own care, you can help the members of your health care team avoid medication errors. Here’s how:

• Be sure that all of your doctors know what medications you have been taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbal and vitamin supplements, natural remedies and recreational drugs.

• Be sure that all of your doctors know of any allergies you may have to medications, anesthesia, foods, latex products, etc.

• When you are brought medications or IV fluids, ask the person to check to be sure you are the patient who is supposed to receive the medications. Show that person your ID bracelet to double-check.

Disorders and diseases of the brain and spine require specialized expertise and a multi-disciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment.

At Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Neuroscience & Spine Center, our board-certified physicians work together to provide comprehensive, personalized care, designed to help patients return to a productive lifestyle.

We offer expedited appointments, including second opinions, with our highly regarded specialists.

TO BEGIN YOUR PERSONAL TREATMENT PLANCALL: 281.274.7979EMAIL: [email protected]

A COLLABORATIVE, INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND SPINE CARE.


Our team of neurosurgeons, neurologists, orthopedic spine surgeons and interventional pain specialists treat a wide variety of disorders including:

• Alzheimer’sandMemory

Disorders

• AmyotrophicLateral

Sclerosis (ALS)

• BackandNeckPain

• BrainandSpinalTumors

• EpilepsyandSeizures

• MigrainesandHeadaches

• MultipleSclerosis(MS)

• MuscleandNerveInjuries

• Parkinson’sDiseaseand

Movement Disorders

• PeripheralNeuropathy

• Stroke

Please note, email is not a secure means to communicate personal identification i.e. social security number, date of birth, financialinformation, etc.

CALL 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY if you experience any of the following:

•Chestpainorpressure (may radiate down arm)

•Shortnessofbreath

•Nausea,vomitingand/orsevere indigestion

•Breakingoutinacoldsweat

For more information or for a physician referral, visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland or call 281.274.7500.

In a cardiac emergency, a fast, comprehensive response can be the difference between life and death. That’s why our Heart & Vascular Center offers the most advanced cardiac care program in the area.

In fact, we’re the only hospital in the Fort Bend area to provide 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery services. Also, because we consistently exceed national standards in the most critical components of cardiac care, we’re a nationally accredited chest pain center.

In a cardiac emergency, there’s only one place you need to be — Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it.

COUNT ON US WHEN MINUTES COUNT



Five Things You Can Do to Prevent Infection

1. Wash your hands. Rub your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. Wash your palms, fingernails and in between your fingers. Or you can use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Rub the sanitizer all over your hands until your hands are dry. You should wash your hands before touching or eating food. You should wash after using the bathroom, changing a diaper or playing with a pet. Most importantly, wash or sanitize your hands after visiting someone who is ill.

2. Make sure health care providers wash their hands. Doctors, nurses, dentists and other health care providers come in contact with many patients. So before they treat you, ask them if they have washed their hands.

3. Cover your mouth and nose. Many diseases are spread through sneezes and coughs. When you sneeze or cough, the germs can travel three feet or more. Cover your mouth and nose to prevent the spread of infection to others. Use a tissue, or if you do not have a tissue, cover your mouth and nose with the bend of your elbow or hands. If you use your hands please don’t forget to wash or sanitize.

4. If you are sick, avoid close contact with others. If you are sick, stay away from other people or stay home. Don’t shake hands or touch others to avoid germ transmission.

5. Get vaccinated to avoid disease and fight the spread of infection. Make sure your vaccinations are current. Vaccinations are available to prevent illnesses such as flu and pneumonia and other childhood illnesses. Speak to your doctor regarding vaccinations.

Infection Prevention FAQsCatheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection

What is a “catheter-associated urinary tract infection”?A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in the urinary system, which may include the bladder and kidneys. If you have a urinary catheter, germs can travel along the catheter and cause an infection in your bladder or your kidney.

What is a urinary catheter?A urinary catheter is a thin tube placed in the bladder to drain urine into a collection bag. A urinary catheter may be used: • If you are not able to urinate on your own• To measure the amount of urine that you make• During and after some types of surgery• During some tests of the kidneys and bladder

What are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection?• Burning or pain in the lower abdomen • Fever• Bloody urine may be a sign of infection, but is also

caused by other problems• Burning during urination or an increase in the frequency

or urgency of urination after the catheter is removed

Can catheter-associated urinary tract infections be treated?Yes, most catheter-associated urinary tract infections can be treated with antibiotics and removal or change of the catheter.

What are some of the things that hospitals are doing to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections?Catheter insertion:• Catheters placed only when necessary and they are

removed as soon as possible• Only properly trained persons insert catheters using a

sterile technique• The skin in the area where the catheter will be inserted

is cleaned before inserting the catheter• Other methods can be utilized, such as external

catheters in men• Intermittent urethral catheterization (putting in a

catheter to drain the urine, then removing the catheter)

Prevent Infections


Prevent Infections

Catheter Care:• Health care providers wash their hands with soap and

water or sanitize with alcohol-based gel before and after touching your catheter

• Avoid disconnection of the catheter and drain tube. This helps to prevent germs from getting into the catheter tube

• The catheter is secured to the leg to prevent pulling on the catheter

• Avoid twisting or kinking the catheter• Keep the collection bag lower than the bladder to

prevent urine from back flowing to the bladder• Empty the collection bag regularly

What do I need to do when I go home from the hospital?• If you will be going home with a catheter, your doctor or

nurse should explain everything you need to know about taking care of the catheter. Make sure you understand how to care for it before you leave the hospital

• If you develop any symptoms of infection, such as fever, pain with urination or abdominal pain, you should call your doctor immediately

Surgical Site Infections

What is a surgical site infection (SSI)?A surgical site infection is an infection that occurs after surgery in the part of the body where the surgery took place. Some of the common symptoms of a surgical site infection are:• Redness, pain or tenderness around the area where you

had surgery• Drainage of cloudy fluid from your surgical wound• Fever

Can a surgical site infection be treated?Yes, most surgical site infections can be treated with antibiotics. Sometimes patients with SSIs also need another surgery to treat the infection.

What are some of the things that hospitals are doing to prevent surgical site infections?To prevent SSIs, doctors, nurses and other health care providers:• Wash their hands and arms up to their elbows with an

antiseptic agent just before the surgery

• Wash their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based gel before and after caring for each patient

• May remove some of your hair immediately before your surgery using electric clippers; they should not shave you with a razor

• Wear special hair covers, masks, gowns and gloves during surgery to keep the surgery area clean

• Give you antibiotics before your surgery starts. In most cases, you should get antibiotics within 60 minutes before the surgery starts and the antibiotics should be stopped within 24 hours after surgery

• Clean the skin at the site of your surgery with a special soap that kills germs

What can I do to prevent surgical site infections?• Tell your doctor about other medical problems you may

have such as allergies, diabetes and high blood pressure• Quit smoking• Do not shave near where you will have surgery

At the time of your surgery:• Speak up if someone tries to shave you with a razor

instead of a clipper• Do not shave your surgical site at home• Ask if you will get antibiotics before surgery

After your surgery:• Make sure your health care providers wash their hands

before examining you • Family and friends should wash their hands before and

after visiting with you• Family and friends should not touch the surgical wound

or dressing

What do I need to do when I go home from the hospital?• Before you go home your doctor or nurse should explain

everything you need to know about taking care of your wound

• Always wash your hands before and after caring for your wound

• If you have any symptoms of an infection such as redness, pain, drainage or fever, call your doctor immediately


Catheter-Associated Bloodstream Infections

What is a catheter-associated bloodstream infection?A “central line” or “central catheter” is a tube that is placed into a patient’s large vein, usually in the neck, chest, arm or groin for the administration of fluids, antibiotics or other medications. It may be left in place for several weeks. A bloodstream infection can occur when bacteria or other germs travel down a “central line” and enter the blood. You may become ill with fevers and chills or the skin around the catheter may become sore and red.

Can a catheter-associated bloodstream infection be treated?Yes, it can be treated successfully with antibiotics.

What are some things hospitals are doing to prevent catheter-associated bloodstream infections?To prevent catheter-associated infections, the health care provider will:• Choose a vein where the catheter can be safely inserted

with minimal risk of infection• Wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based

gel before inserting the catheter• Wear a mask, cap, sterile gown and sterile gloves when

inserting a central catheter• Clean the patient’s skin with an antiseptic cleanser

before inserting the catheter• Wash their hands and wear gloves whenever handling

the catheter and/or dressings• Evaluate every day if the patient still needs to have the

catheter

What can I do to help prevent a catheter-associated bloodstream infection?• Ask your doctor or nurse to explain why you need the

catheter and how long you will need it; are they using all the precautions above

• Monitor to make sure that all health care providers wash their hands with soap and water or sanitize with alcohol-based gel

• If the bandage comes off or becomes wet or dirty, tell your nurse or doctor immediately

• Inform your nurse or doctor if you notice signs of infection, such as a red or painful site

• Do not let anyone other than your health care provider touch your catheter

What do I need to do when I go home from the hospital?Some patients are sent home from the hospital with a catheter in order to continue their treatment.• Make sure you understand how to care for your catheter

before you leave the hospital

Clostridium Difficile

What is clostridium difficile infection?Clostridium difficile, also known as “C. diff ” is a germ that can cause diarrhea. Most cases of C. diff infection occur in patients taking antibiotics.Symptoms include:• Loss of appetite and watery diarrhea• Fever• Nausea and abdominal pain or tenderness

Who is most likely to get C. diff infection?The elderly and people taking antibiotics that lower the level of normal bacteria in the intestine. C. diffspores can live outside the human body for a long time and may be found on things in the environment such as bed linens, bed rails, bathroom fixtures and medical equipment.

Can C. diff infection be treated?Yes, there are antibiotics that can be used to treat C. diff.

What are some things hospitals are doing to prevent C. diff infections?• Health care providers wash their hands with soap and

water before and after caring for patients• Carefully clean all hospital rooms and medical

equipment

Use contact precautions:• Health care providers and visitors will wash their hands

before and after visiting the patient with C. diff • Health care providers and visitors will wear gowns and

gloves when in the patient’s room• Patients on contact precautions are asked to stay in

their rooms as much as possible. They should not go to common areas such as the gift shop or cafeteria


Prevent Infections

• Only give patients antibiotics when it is necessary• Visitors may not have food or drinks when in the

patient room

What do I need to do when I go home from the hospital?• If you are given a prescription to treat C. diff, take the

medicine exactly as prescribed, and if you develop diarrhea call your doctor immediately

This information is from the following:• The Joint Commission (TJC)• Center for Disease Control (CDC)• American Hospital Association (AHA)• Society for Health Care Epidemiology of America (SHEA)• Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA)• Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC)

Five Steps to Safer Health Care1. Ask questions if you have doubts or concerns.Ask questions and make sure you understand the answers. Choose a doctor you feel comfortable talking to. Take a relative or friend with you to help you ask questions and understand the answers.

2. Keep and bring a list of ALL the medicines you take.Give your doctor and pharmacist a list of all the medicines that you take, including nonprescription medicines. Tell them about any drug allergies you have. Ask about side effects and what to avoid while taking the medicine. Read the label when you get your medicine, including all warnings.

Make sure your medicine is what the doctor ordered and know how to use it. Ask the pharmacist about your medicine if it looks different than you expected.

3. Get the results of any test or procedure.Ask when and how you will get the results of tests or procedures. Don’t assume the results are fine if you do not get them when expected, be it in person, by phone or by mail. Call your doctor and ask for your results. Ask what the results mean for your care.

4. Talk to your doctor about which hospital is best for your health needs.Ask your doctor about which hospital has the best care and outcomes for your condition if you have more than one hospital to choose from. Be sure you understand the instructions you get about follow-up care when you leave the hospital.

5. Make sure you understand what will happen if you need surgery.Make sure you, your doctor and your surgeon all agree on exactly what will be done during the operation. Ask your doctor: “Who will manage my care when I am in the hospital?” Ask your surgeon: “Exactly what will you be doing?” “About how long will it take?” “What will happen after the surgery?” “How can I expect to feel during recovery?” Tell the surgeon, anesthesiologist and nurses about any allergies, bad reaction to anesthesia and any medications you are taking.

Adapted from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in partnership with American Hospital Association and American Medical Association


What are Your Advance Directives? Advance Directives Act (see §166.033, Health and Safety Code)

What are Advance Directives?Advance Directives are the legal documents that allow you to give direction to medical personnel, family and friends concerning your future care when you cannot speak for yourself. You do not need a lawyer in order to complete Advance Directives.

Your Directive to Physicians should be based on your personal values. In the event of a disagreement between family members or other caregivers concerning your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment or other issues in connection with your Directive to Physicians, the biomedical ethics commi²ee is available to hear such disputes. Contact 281.274.7164.

To ensure we have the most updated copy, please bring a copy of your Advance Directive each time you are readmi²ed to the hospital.

Directive to PhysiciansThis is an important legal document designed to help you communicate your wishes about medical treatment at some time in the future when you are unable to make your wishes known because of illness or injury. These wishes usually are based on personal values. In particular, you may want to consider what burdens or hardships of treatment you would be willing to accept for a particular amount of benefit obtained if you were seriously ill.

You are encouraged to discuss your values and wishes with your family or chosen spokesperson, as well as your physician. Your physician, other health care provider or medical institution may provide you with various resources to assist you in completing your Directive to Physicians. Brief definitions are listed below and may aid you in your discussions and advanced planning. Initial the treatment choices that best reflect your personal preferences. Provide a copy of your Directive to your physician, hospital and family or spokesperson. Consider a periodic review of this document. By periodic review, you can best assure that the Directive reflects your preferences.

In addition to this Advance Directive, Texas law provides for two other types of Directives that can be important during a serious illness. These are the Medical Power of Attorney and the Out-of-Hospital Do-Not-Resuscitate Order. You may wish to discuss these with your physician, family, hospital representative or other advisers. Hospital chaplains are available to assist you with understanding and completing these documents.

To learn more about Advance Directives, you can watch the brief video “Life Conversations: Respecting My Journey, Honoring My Wishes” on Hospital Channel 19.

Video ScheduleEnglish: 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 5 p.m., 8 p.m.Spanish: 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m.

You also may wish to complete a Directive related to the donation of organs and tissues.

The existence or lack of an Advance Directive does not determine an individual’s access to care, treatment and services.

For more information or for assistance with Advance Directives, please call 281.274.7164 or 281.274.7108.For more information or for assistance with Advance Directives, please call 281.274.7164 or 281.274.7108.


Directive to Physician Form

I, _________________________(insert your name), recognize that the best health care is based upon a partnership of trust and communication with my physician. My physician and I will make health care decisions together as long as I am of sound mind and able to make my wishes known. If there comes a time that I am unable to make medical decisions about myself because of illness or injury, I direct that the following treatment preferences be honored:

If, in the judgment of my physician, I am suffering with a terminal condition from which I am expected to die within six months, even with available life-sustaining treatment provided in accordance with prevailing standards of medical care:

_______ I request that all treatments other than those needed to keep me comfortable be discontinued or withheld and my physician allow me to die as gently as possible;

OR

_______ I request that I be kept alive in this terminal condition using available life-sustaining treatment. (This selection does not apply to hospice care.)

If, in the judgment of my physician, I am suffering with an irreversible condition so that I cannot care for myself or make decisions for myself and I am expected to die without life-sustaining treatment provided in accordance with prevailing standards of care:

_______ I request that all treatments other than those needed to keep me comfortable be discontinued or withheld and my physician allow me to die as gently as possible;

OR

_______ I request that I be kept alive in this terminal condition using available life sustaining treatment. (This selection does not apply to hospice care.)

Additional requests: (After discussion with your physician, you may wish to consider listing particular treatments in this space that you do or do not want in specific circumstances, such as artificial nutrition and fluids, intravenous antibiotics, etc. Be sure to state whether you do or do not want the particular treatment.)

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

After signing this directive, if my representative or I elect hospice care, I understand and agree that only those treatments needed to keep me comfortable would be provided and I would not be given available life-sustaining treatments.

If I do not have a Medical Power of Attorney and I am unable to make my wishes known, I designate the following person(s) to make treatment decisions with my physician that are compatible with my personal values:

1. ______________________________________________________ 2. _____________________________________________________

(If a Medical Power of Attorney has been executed, then an agent already has been named and you should not list additional names in this document.) If the above persons are not available or if I have not designated a spokesperson, I understand that a spokesperson will be chosen for me following standards specified in the laws of Texas.

If, in the judgment of my physician, my death is imminent within minutes to hours, even with the use of all available medical treatment provided within the prevailing standard of care, I acknowledge that all treatments may be withheld or removed except those needed to maintain my comfort. I understand that under Texas law this directive has no effect if I have been diagnosed as pregnant. This directive will remain in effect until I revoke it. No other person may do so.

Signed ____________________________________________________ Date __________________

City, County, State of Residence _______________________________________________________

Two competent adult witnesses must sign below, acknowledging the signature of the declarant. The witness designated as Witness 1 may not be a person designated to make a treatment decision for the patient and may not be related to the patient by blood or marriage. This witness may not be entitled to any part of the estate and may not have a claim against the estate of the patient. This witness may not be the attending physician or an employee of the attending physician. If this witness is an employee of a health care facility in which the patient is being cared for, this witness may not be involved in providing direct patient care to the patient. This witness may not be an officer, director, partner or business office employee of a health care facility in which the patient is being cared for or of any parent organization of the health care facility.

Witness 1 _____________________________________________ Witness 2 ________________________________________________


Definitions•“ArtificialNutritionandHydration” means the

provision of nutrients or fluids by a tube inserted in a vein, under the skin in the subcutaneous tissues or in the stomach (gastrointestinal tract).

• “IrreversibleCondition” means a condition, injury or illness:(1) that may be treated, but is never cured or eliminated;(2) that leaves a person unable to care for or make

decisions for himself/herself; and(3) that, without life-sustaining treatment provided in

accordance with the prevailing standard of medical care, is fatal.

Explanation: Many serious illnesses such as cancer, failure of major organs (kidney, heart, liver or lung) and serious brain disease, such as Alzheimer’s dementia may be considered irreversible early on. There is no cure, but the patient may be kept alive for prolonged periods of time if the patient receives life-sustaining treatments. Late in the course of the same illness, the disease may be considered terminal when, even with treatment, the patient is expected to die. You may wish to consider which burdens of treatment you would be willing to accept in an effort to achieve a particular outcome. This is a very personal decision that you may wish to discuss with your physician, family or other important people in your life.

• “Life-sustainingTreatment” means treatment that, based on reasonable medical judgment, sustains the

life of a patient and without which the patient will die. The term includes both life sustaining medications and artificial life support, such as mechanical breathing machines, kidney dialysis treatment and artificial hydration and nutrition. The term does not include the administration of pain management medication, the performance of a medical procedure necessary to provide comfort care or any other medical care provided to alleviate a patient’s pain.

• “TerminalCondition” means an incurable condition caused by injury, disease or illness that, according to reasonable medical judgment, will produce death within six months, even with available life-sustaining treatment provided in accordance with the prevailing standard of medical care.

Explanation: Many serious illnesses may be considered irreversible early in the course of the illness, but they may not be considered terminal until the disease is fairly advanced. In thinking about terminal illness and its treatment, you again may wish to consider the relative benefits and burdens of treatment and discuss your wishes with your physician, family or other important people in your life.

The existence or lack of an Advance Directive does not determine an individual’s access to treatment and services. For more information call 281.274.7164 or 281.274.7108.

What are Your Advance Directives?


Directiva a Los Médicos Y a Familiares o Substitutos

Instrucciones para llenar este documento:Este es un documento legal importante conocido como Directiva Anticipada. Su función es ayudar a comunicar sus deseos relacionados con el tratamiento médico para un momento futuro cuando no tenga la capacidad de hacer conocer sus deseos debido a una enfermedad o lesión. Estos deseos se basan generalmente en sus valores personales. En particular, sería bueno considerar qué sacrificios o dificultades de tratamiento está dispuesto a soportar a cambio del beneficio que obtendría en caso de estar gravemente enfermo.

Se le sugiere que hable sobre sus valores y deseos con su familia o con la persona escogida como su vocero, lo mismo que con su doctor. El doctor, otro proveedor médico o una institución médica pueden ofrecerle algunos recursos para ayudarle a completar la directiva anticipada. A continuación se dan unas definiciones

breves que le podrán ayudar en sus discusiones y en la planeación. Escriba sus iniciales al lado de las opciones de tratamiento

que mejor reflejen sus preferencias personales. Deles una copia de la directiva a su doctor, a su hospital habitual y a su familia o vocero. Haga una revisión periódica del documento. Mediante la revisión periódica, puede asegurar que la directiva refleje sus preferencias.

Además de esta directiva anticipada, la ley de Texas estipula otros dos tipos de directivas que pueden ser importantes en caso de una enfermedad grave. Estas son: el Poder médico y la Orden de no revivir fuera del hospital. Sería bueno hablar sobre estos con el doctor, su familia, un representante del hospital o con otros consejeros. También es posible que desee llenar una directiva relacionada con la donación de órganos y tejidos

DIRECTIVAS

Yo, ______________________________________ , reconozco que la mejor atención médica se basa en una relación de confianza y comunicación con mi doctor. Juntos, mi doctor y yo tomaremos las decisiones médicas mientras yo esté en condiciones mentales de hacer conocer mis deseos. Si en algún momento no tenga la capacidad de tomar decisiones médicas respecto a mi salud debido a una enfermedad o lesión, ordeno que se respeten las siguientes preferencias respecto al tratamiento:

Si, a juicio de mi doctor, padezco una enfermedad terminal de la que se espera moriré dentro de los seis meses, incluso con tratamientos disponibles para prolongar la vida, suministrados de acuerdo con las normas actuales de atención médica:

_____ Pido que no me den o que me retiren todo tratamiento salvo aquellos necesarios para mantenerme cómodo, y que mi doctor me deje morir tan dignamente como sea posible; O

_____ Pido que me mantengan con vida en esta situación terminal usando los tratamientos disponibles para prolongar la vida. (ESTA PREFERENCIA NO APLICA AL CUIDADO DE HOSPICIO).

Si, a juicio de mi doctor, tengo un padecimiento irreversible, que no permitirá que me cuide ni que tome decisiones por mí mismo y se espera que moriré si no me suministran tratamientos para prolongar la vida de acuerdo con las normas actuales de atención médica:

_____ Pido que no me den o que me retiren todo tratamiento salvo aquellos necesarios para mantenerme cómodo, y que mi doctor me deje morir tan dignamente como sea posible; O

_____ Pido que me mantengan con vida en esta situación irreversible usando los tratamientos disponibles para prolongar la vida. (ESTA PREFERENCIA NO APLICA AL CUIDADO DE HOSPICIO).

Ley de Directivas Anticipadas (ver §166.033 del Código de Salud y Salubridad)


Peticiones adicionales: (Después de hablar con el doctor, sería bueno pensar en escribir en el espacio disponible algunos tratamientos en particular que usted quiera o no quiera que se le den bajo circunstancias específicas, como nutrición artificiales y líquidos, antibióticos por vía intravenosa, etc. Asegúrese de anotar si quiere o no quiere el tratamiento en particular).

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Después de firmar esta directiva, si mi representante o yo elegimos el cuidado de hospicio, entiendo y estoy de acuerdo en que me den solamente aquellos tratamientos para mantenerme cómodo y que no me den los tratamientos disponibles para prolongar la vida.

Si no tengo un poder para la atención médica, y no puedo dar a conocer mis deseos, designo a las siguientes personas para que tomen decisiones con mi doctor que sean compatibles con mis valores personales:

1. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

(Si usted ya firmó un poder médico, entonces ya habrá nombrado a un agente y no deberá anotar otros nombres en este documento).

Si las personas nombradas antes no están disponibles, o si no hay un vocero designado, comprendo que se escogerá un vocero para mí, siguiendo las pautas especificadas por la ley de Texas.

Si, a juicio de mi doctor, mi muerte es inminente dentro de minutos u horas, a pesar de que me den todo tratamiento médico disponible suministrado dentro de las pautas de atención actuales, reconozco que me pueden retirar o no dar todo tratamiento salvo aquellos necesarios para mantenerme cómodo. Comprendo que bajo la ley de Texas esta directiva no tiene efecto si se ha diagnosticado que estoy embarazada. Esta directiva seguirá en vigor hasta que yo la revoque. Nadie más puede hacerlo.

Firmado _____________________________________________ Fecha _________________

Ciudad, Condado y estado de residencia __________________________________________

Dos testigos adultos hábiles tienen que firmar a continuación, reconociendo la firma del declarante. El testigo designado Testigo 1 no puede ser una de las personas designadas para tomar decisiones relacionadas con el tratamiento para el paciente y no puede estar relacionado con el paciente por sangre ni matrimonio. Este testigo no puede tener derecho a ninguna parte de la propiedad testamentaria y no puede tener un reclamo en contra de la propiedad testamentaria del paciente. Este testigo no puede ser el médico que lo atiende ni un empleado del médico que lo atiende. Si el testigo es empleado del centro de salud en el cual se atiende al paciente, este testigo no puede estar directamente involucrado en la prestación de la atención al paciente. Este testigo no puede ser funcionario, director, socio ni empleado de la oficina de administración del centro de atención médica donde se atiende al paciente ni de ninguna organización matriz del centro de atención médica.

Testigo 1 __________________________________________________________

Testigo 2 __________________________________________________________

Ley de Directivas Anticipadas (ver §166.033 del Código de Salud y Salubridad)


Directiva a Los Médicos Y a Familiares o Substitutos

Definiciones• “Nutriciónehidrataciónartificiales” quiere decir

el suministro de nutrientes o líquidos mediante una sonda puesta en una vena, bajo la piel en los tejidos subcutáneos o en el estómago (tracto gastrointestinal).

• “Padecimientoirreversible” quiere decir un padecimiento, lesión o enfermedad:

(1) que se puede tratar, pero que nunca se cura ni se elimina;

(2) que deja a la persona incapaz de cuidarse o tomar decisiones por sí misma, y

(3) que, sin el tratamiento para prolongar la vida suministrado conforme con las normas actuales de atención médica, es mortal.

Explicación: muchas enfermedades graves como el cáncer, la insuficiencia de cualquier órgano vital (el riñón, el corazón, el hígado o el pulmón) y una enfermedad cerebral grave, como la demencia de Alzheimer, se consideran irreversibles desde muy temprano. No tienen cura, pero al paciente se le puede mantener con vida por un tiempo prolongado si recibe tratamientos para prolongar la vida. Más tarde durante la evolución de la misma enfermedad, esta se puede considerar terminal cuando, incluso con tratamiento, se espera que el paciente muera. Sería bueno considerar qué sacrificios de tratamiento está dispuesto a soportar para lograr un resultado particular. Esta es una decisión muy personal que quizás podría consultar con su doctor, familia u otras personas importantes en su vida.

• “Tratamientoparaprolongarlavida”quiere decir un tratamiento que, a juicio médico, preserva la vida de un paciente y sin el cual el paciente moriría. El término se refiere a medicamentos y medios artificiales para preservar la vida, como máquinas para respirar, tratamiento de diálisis del riñón e hidratación y nutrición artificiales. El término no se refiere a la administración de medicamentos para el dolor, la intervención quirúrgica necesaria para dar alivio ni ningún otro servicio médico ofrecido para aliviar el dolor del paciente.

• “Padecimientoterminal”quiere decir un padecimiento incurable causado por lesión, enfermedad o dolencia que a juicio médico produciría la muerte dentro de los seis meses, incluso con el tratamiento disponible para prolongar la vida suministrado de acuerdo con las normas de atención médica actuales.

Explicación: muchas enfermedades graves se consideran irreversibles desde muy temprano en la evolución de la enfermedad, pero no se consideran terminales hasta que la enfermedad haya avanzado bastante. Al pensar en una enfermedad terminal y su tratamiento, sería bueno considerar los beneficios y sacrificios relacionados con el tratamiento y hablar de sus deseos con su doctor, familia u otras personas importantes en su vida.

La existencia o no de una directiva anticipada no determina el acceso de una persona tratamiento y servicio. Para obtener más información, llame al 281.274.7164 o 281.274.7108.


Your Privacy & Information

Adapted from U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office for Civil Rights

If you believe your health information privacy rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with Houston Methodist, your provider, your health insurer or with the secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. There will be no penalty or retaliation against you for making a complaint. You can also go online to hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa.

A separate law provides additional privacy protections to patients of alcohol and drug treatment programs. We will not disclose information identifying an individual as a patient or provide any medical information relating to the patient’s substance abuse treatment unless: the patient consents in writing; a court order requires disclosure; medical personnel need the information to meet a medical emergency; or in other cases where it is absolutely necessary. For more information, go online to samhsa.gov.

What it means to be a “No Information” patientIf you request the status of “No Information” at the time of registration, this means NO information will be given to any visitor or caller who asks for you by name while you are in the hospital. The hospital will not even indicate that you are currently a patient. Electing the “No Information” status means:• You will not receive a delivery of flowers unless the person who places the

order for flowers gave the florist your room number.• Family and friends will not be told that you are in the hospital and will not

be able to find you in the hospital directory unless you have previously given them your room number and telephone number.

If you wish to change your status from “No Information” during your hospitalization or have questions, call patient access services at 281.274.0104.

How do I get copies of my medical records?You have the right to review and obtain a copy of your health information. Requests for medical records for continuing care will be processed free of charge. Copies of medical records for personal reasons can be obtained from our Medical Records Department for a fee as authorized by Texas state law. You must complete an authorization form. For additional information regarding release of medical records, please visit or call:

HIM/Medical Records DepartmentHouston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital 16655 Southwest Freeway Medical Office Building Two, Suite 529 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.274.7814

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and the medical staff members of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Notice of Privacy PracticesThis notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully.

This Notice of Privacy Practices identifies the general ways your protected health information can be used or disclosed. Protected health information is the individually identifiable personal health information found in your medical and billing records. This information is created or received by a health care provider, insurance company or employer, and relates to your past, present or future physical or mental health conditions or the payment for health care services. This information can be transmitted or maintained in any form by Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

This Notice describes your legal rights regarding your health information. It also informs you of the legal duties and privacy practices of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and its medical staff members with respect to health information created for services generated at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. If you receive services by your physician or a health care provider at a different location, there may be different health information privacy policies or notices, and there will be different contact information.


Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and its medical staff members are independently responsible for complying with this Notice. While we may share protected health information with each other to carry out treatment, payment or health care operations, the medical staff members treat patients at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital but are not employees of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, and we are not responsible for one another’s actions, and do not have equal control over the other’s business.

For the purpose of this Notice, the terms “Houston Methodist,” “we,” and “our” refer to both Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and its medical staff members only with respect to health information generated or maintained at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

Our Legal DutiesWe are required, by law, to keep your identifiable health information private; provide you with this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices with respect to your health information; and follow the terms of the Notice as long as it is in effect. If we revise this Notice, we will follow the terms of the revised Notice, as long as it is in effect.

How we may use and disclose your health informationThe following information describes how we are permitted, or required by law, to use and disclose your health information. Not every use or disclosure in a category will be listed.

Treatment: We may use or disclose your health information to a physician or other health care provider in order to provide care and treatment to you. For example, a physician treating you for a broken leg may need to know if you have diabetes because diabetes may slow the healing process. Different departments at Houston Methodist also may share information about you in order to coordinate the different services you receive, such as lab work, x-rays and prescriptions. We also may disclose health information about you to those who may be involved in your health care outside of Houston Methodist, such as physicians and others who provide you with follow-up care and medical equipment or product suppliers. We may contact you to provide appointment reminders and to provide you with information about health-related benefits and services at

Houston Methodist or treatment alternatives that may be of interest to you.

Payment: We may use or disclose your health information to obtain payment for services we provide to you. We may disclose your health information to another health care provider or entity. For example, Houston Methodist may need to provide your health plan with information about surgery you received so your health plan will pay Houston Methodist or reimburse you for the surgery. Houston Methodist also will tell your health plan about a treatment you are going to receive to obtain the health plan’s prior approval for this treatment or to determine whether your plan will cover the treatment.

Health Care Operations: We may use or disclose health information about you to support the programs and activities of Houston Methodist, such as quality and service improvement; health care delivery review; staff performance evaluation; competence or qualification review of health care professionals; education and training of physicians and other health care providers; and business planning and development, business management and general administrative activities. We use this information to continuously improve the quality of care for all patients we serve. For example, we may combine health information about many patients to evaluate the need for new services or treatments. We may disclose information to doctors, nurses and other students for educational purposes. And we may combine health information we have with that of other facilities to see where we can make improvements.

Additionally, we may share your health information with other health care providers and payors for certain of their business operations if the information is related to a relationship the provider or payor currently has or previously had with you, and if the provider or payor is required by federal law to protect the privacy of your health information.

Health Information Exchange (HIE): We may make your health information available electronically through an information exchange network to other providers involved in your care who request your electronic health information. The purpose of this information exchange is to support the delivery of safer, better coordinated patient care. Participation in the information exchange is voluntary. If you do not want your Houston Methodist health information to be accessible to authorized health



care providers through the HIE, you may submit a signed non-participation (opt-out) form, available from your registration representative or www.houstonmethodist.org. If you decide not to participate, health care providers will not be able to access your health information through the HIE.

Authorization for Other Disclosures: We will not use or disclose your health information, except as described in this document, unless you authorize us, in writing, to do so. You can revoke an authorization at any time, in writing. If you revoke an authorization, we will no longer use or disclose your health information for the purpose covered by the authorization. However, we are unable to take back any uses or disclosures already made with your authorization. Specific examples of uses or disclosures requiring authorization include: use of psychotherapy notes, marketing activities, the sale of your health information and most uses and disclosures for which we are compensated.

Hospital Directory: Unless you instruct otherwise, we may disclose your name, general condition and location in the hospital to your friends, family and others who ask for you by name. Unless you instruct otherwise, we will provide your name, location in the hospital and religious affiliation to clergy members of your faith or tradition upon their request.

Family and Friends: We may use or disclose information to notify or assist in notifying a family member, personal representative or other person responsible for your care, of your location and general condition. We will also disclose health information to a family member, other relative, close personal friend or any other person you identify, if the information is relevant to that person’s involvement with your care or payment for your care.

Fundraising: We may use or disclose health information about you to contact you in an effort to raise money for our organization and its operations. We may disclose this information to Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation to assist us in our fundraising activities. Only contact information such as your name, address and telephone number, and information related to the department of your service, your treating physician, outcome information, health insurance status and the dates you received treatment or services at Houston Methodist would be released. You have the right to opt out of fundraising communications at any time and your request must be

honored. Any such communication will have clear and conspicuous instructions on how to opt out of future fundraising communications.

Future Communications: We may use or disclose your information to communicate with you via newsletters, mailings or other means regarding treatment options, health-related information, disease-management programs, wellness programs or other community based initiatives or activities in which Houston Methodist participates. If we receive any financial compensation for such communications (with limited exceptions), we will obtain your authorization prior to sending the communication and your authorization can be revoked at any time.

Public Health and Safety: We may use or disclose health information, as authorized or required by local, state or federal law, for the following purposes deemed to be in the public interest or benefit:• To report certain diseases and wounds, births and

deaths and suspected cases of abuse, neglect or domestic violence;



• To help identify, locate or report criminal suspects, crime victims, suspicious deaths or criminal conduct on Houston Methodist’s premises;

• To respond to a court order, subpoena or other judicial process;

• To assist federal disaster relief efforts;• To enable product recalls, repairs or replacements;• To respond to an audit, inspection or investigation by a

health-related government agency;• To assist in federal intelligence, counterintelligence and

national security issues; • To facilitate organ and tissue donations;• To assist coroners, medical examiners and funeral

directors;• To respond to a request from a jail or prison regarding

an inmate’s health or medical treatment;• To respond to a request from your military command

authority (if you are a member or veteran of the armed forces);

• To provide information to a workers’ compensation program.

Business Associates: There are some services provided at Houston Methodist through contracts with business associates. When these services are contracted, we will disclose your health information to the business associate so they can perform the job we have asked them to do. However, business associates are required by federal law to appropriately safeguard your information.

Research: We will disclose information to researchers after approval by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) in preparation for a research study, to recruit research subjects or for a research study. The IRB reviews research proposals and establishes protocols to protect your safety and the privacy of your health information.

Special Privacy Protections for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Information: Alcohol and drug abuse information has special privacy protections. We will not disclose any information identifying an individual as being a patient or provide any health information relating to the patient’s substance abuse treatment unless the patient consents in writing; a court order requires disclosure of the information; medical personnel need the information to meet a medical emergency; qualified personnel use the information for the purpose of conducting scientific

research, management audits, financial audits or program evaluation; or it is necessary to report a crime or a threat to commit a crime, or to report abuse or neglect as required by law.

Your Health Information RightsYour medical record is the property of Houston Methodist (the health care practitioner or facility that compiled it). You have the following rights, with certain exceptions, regarding the health information that is created about you at Houston Methodist.

You have the right to a paper copy of this Notice. In addition, a copy of this Notice also may be obtained at our website: www.houstonmethodist.org.

Confidential Communications: You have the right to request that we communicate health information to you by an alternate means or location other than your home address and telephone number. Your request must be made in writing to Houston Methodist’s contact person, and must specify how or where you wish to be contacted. We will try to accommodate your request for alternate communications. If you request an alternate means of communication, that request also should be communicated by you to all of your physicians, including your private physician.

Restrictions: You have the right to request a restriction or limitation on the health information we use or disclose about you for treatment, payment or health care operations. You also have the right to request a limit on the health information we disclose about you to someone who is involved in your care or the payment for your care, such as a family member or friend. For example, you could ask that we not use or disclose information to a family member about a surgery you had. To request a restriction, you must make your request in writing to the listed contact person. We are not required to agree to your request. If we do agree, our agreement must be in writing, and we will comply with your request unless the information is needed to provide you emergency treatment.

You have the right to request that we not use or disclose information to a health plan for purposes of payment or health care operations (not for treatment) if the health information pertains solely to a health care item


or service that has been paid for out of pocket and in full. Your request for restriction must be submitted in writing to our listed contact person. In this case, Houston Methodist must honor your request. However, you should be aware that such restrictions may have unintended consequences, particularly if other providers need to know that information (such as a pharmacy filling a prescription). It will be your obligation to notify any such other providers of this restriction.

Additionally, such a restriction may impact your health plan’s decision to pay for related care that you may not want to pay for out of pocket (and which would not be subject to the restriction).

Access: You have the right to review and obtain a copy of your health information, with certain exceptions. Usually, this includes medical and billing records, but does not include psychotherapy notes. Your request to review or obtain a copy of your health information must be in writing to our listed contact person. You will be charged fees as authorized by law. To the extent your information is held in an electronic health record, you may be able to receive the information in an electronic format.

Amendment: If you feel that the health information we have about you is incorrect or incomplete, you have the right to ask for an amendment of that information. You have the right to request an amendment for as long as the information is kept by or for us. Your request for an amendment must be made in writing to our listed contact person and include a reason that supports your request.

Accounting of Disclosures: You have the right to receive a list of certain disclosures that we have made within the last six years of your health information. Your request for an accounting must be in writing to our listed contact person and must state a time period for which you want an accounting. You may request one accounting free of charge within a 12-month period. A fee will be charged for additional lists within this same time period.

Breach Notification: In certain instances, you have the right to be notified in the event that we, or one of our Business Associates, discover an inappropriate use or disclosure of your health information. Notice of any such use or disclosure will be made in accordance with state and federal requirements.

Revisions of this Notice: We reserve the right to change this Notice, and the right to make the new provisions effective for all health information we currently maintain, as well as any information we receive in the future. If we make a major change to this Notice, the revised Notice will be posted at Houston Methodist and on our website. In addition, a paper copy of the revised Notice will be available upon request.

To Report a Complaint: If you believe your health information privacy rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with us or with the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. There will not be any penalty or retaliation against you for making a complaint to us or to the Department of Health and Human Services.

Contact Person: If you have any questions or need information regarding our legal duties and privacy practices, or how to exercise any of your health information rights listed in this Notice, please contact:Business Practices OfficerHoustonMethodistSugarLandHospital16655 Southwest FreewaySugar Land, Texas 77479281.274.7000


Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Y Los Miembros Del Personal Médico De Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Notificación De Prácticas De Privacidad

Esta notificación describe cómo se puede utilizar y divulgar su información médica, y cómo puede acceder a ésta. Lea esta información atentamente.Esta Notificación de Prácticas de Privacidad identifica las formas generales en que su información médica privada puede utilizarse o divulgarse. La información médica privada consiste en la información médica personal por medio de la cual se le puede identificar y que se encuentra en sus registros médicos y de facturación. Dicha información es creada o recibida por un proveedor de atención médica, una aseguradora o un empleador, y se relaciona con su estado de salud físico o mental pasado, presente o futuro, o con el pago de los servicios de asistencia médica. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital puede transmitir o mantener la información mencionada de cualquier forma.

Esta Notificación describe los derechos que le otorga la ley con respecto a su información médica. Asimismo, le informa acerca de las obligaciones legales y las prácticas de privacidad de Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital y los miembros del Personal Médico con respecto a la información médica creada para los servicios generados en Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Si recibe servicios de su médico o de un proveedor de atención médica en otro lugar, puede regirse por políticas o notificaciones diferentes respecto a la privacidad de la información y existirá información de contacto diferente.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital y los miembros del Personal Médico son responsables, en forma independiente, de cumplir con esta Notificación. Si bien podemos compartir información médica protegida entre nosotros para llevar a cabo el tratamiento, pago o asuntos relacionados con la atención médica, los miembros del Personal Médico tratan a los pacientes en Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, pero no son empleados de dicho hospital, y no somos responsables de las acciones de los otros ni tenemos control igualitario sobre las actividades de los demás.

A los efectos de esta Notificación, los términos “Houston Methodist”, “nosotros” y “nuestro” hacen referencia a Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital y a los miembros del Personal Médico sólo con respecto a la información médica que se genera o se mantiene en Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

Nuestras Obligaciones LegalesLa ley nos exige que mantengamos la información médica que pueda identificarlo con carácter confidencial; que le proporcionemos esta Notificación sobre nuestras obligaciones legales y prácticas de privacidad con respecto a su información médica; y que respetemos los términos de la Notificación mientras ésta se encuentre en vigencia. Si revisamos esta Notificación, respetaremos los términos de la Notificación revisada, mientras ésta se encuentre en vigencia.

Formas De Utilizar Y Divulgar Su Información MédicaLa siguiente información describe cómo podemos o debemos utilizar y divulgar su información médica, según lo permita o requiera la ley. No se enumerarán todos los usos o divulgaciones en cada categoría.

Tratamiento: Nosotros podemos utilizar su información médica o divulgarla a un médico u otro proveedor de atención médica para que le brinden atención y tratamiento. Por ejemplo, un médico que lo atiende por una pierna fracturada tal vez necesite saber si tiene diabetes, ya que esta enfermedad puede retrasar el proceso de curación. Distintos departamentos del Houston Methodist también pueden compartir su información a fin de coordinar los diferentes servicios que recibe, tales como análisis de laboratorio, radiografías y recetas. Asimismo, podemos divulgar su información médica a aquellas personas que puedan estar involucradas en su atención médica fuera del Houston Methodist, tales como médicos y otras personas que brindan atención de seguimiento y equipos médicos o proveedores de productos. Podemos contactarlo para recordarle citas médicas y brindarle información sobre beneficios y servicios relacionados con la salud en Houston Methodist, o tratamientos alternativos que puedan interesarle.

Pagos: Nosotros podemos utilizar o divulgar su información médica para obtener el pago de los servicios que le brindamos. Podemos divulgar su información médica a otro proveedor o entidad de atención médica. Por ejemplo, Houston Methodist tal vez necesite brindarle a su plan de salud información acerca de una cirugía a la que haya sido sometido, a fin de que el plan de salud pague a Houston Methodist o le reintegre a usted el costo de la cirugía. Houston Methodist también le informará a su plan de salud acerca de un tratamiento

Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land is proud to be the home of the most advanced TrueBeamTM system in Fort Bend County.

The TrueBeam delivers powerful cancer treatments with pinpoint accuracy and precision which helps protect nearby healthy tissue and critical organs. This new technology provides treatment options for even the most challenging cancer cases in the lung, prostate, breast, head and neck, brain, liver and other regions.

16655 Southwest Freeway | Sugar Land, TX 77479281.274.7000 | houstonmethodist.org/sugarland

To learn more about our cancer program visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarlandor call the cancer care navigator at 281.242.CURE (2873).

SCHEDULE YOUR SCREENING MAMMOGRAM ONLINE!

It’s time to schedule your mammogram. Scheduling online is easy — go to houstonmethodist.org/online-scheduling or call 281.242.PINK (7465).

16655 Southwest FreewaySugar Land, Texas 77479

Physician’s order required.

houstonmethodist.org/online-scheduling

SCHEDULE YOURSCREENING

MAMMOGRAM ONLINE

16655 Southwest FreewaySugar Land, Texas 77479

• Screening Mammogram

• 3D Mammogram

• Bone Density


que recibirá para obtener la aprobación previa de éste para dicho tratamiento o para determinar si lo cubrirá.

Gestiones relacionadas con la atención médica: Nosotros podemos utilizar o divulgar su información médica para apoyar los programas y actividades del Houston Methodist, tales como mejora de la calidad y el servicio; revisión del suministro de atención médica; evaluación del desempeño del personal; revisión de la competencia o calificación de los profesionales de la salud; educación y capacitación de médicos y otros proveedores de atención médica; y planificación y desarrollo comercial, administración empresarial y actividades administrativas generales. Utilizamos esta información para mejorar de manera continua la calidad de la atención para todos los pacientes a quienes prestamos nuestros servicios. Por ejemplo, podemos combinar información médica de muchos pacientes para evaluar la necesidad de nuevos servicios o tratamientos. Podemos divulgar información a médicos, enfermeras y otros estudiantes para fines educativos. Finalmente, también podemos combinar la información médica que poseemos con datos de otras instituciones para ver cómo podemos mejorar.

Asimismo, podemos compartir su información médica con otros proveedores de atención médica y personas responsables de pagos para algunas de sus operaciones comerciales, si la información está asociada con una relación que el proveedor o la persona responsable de pagos con usted tenga en la actualidad o que haya tenido previamente y si, según lo requiera la ley federal, dicho proveedor o persona debe proteger la privacidad de su información médica.

Intercambio de Información de Salud: Es posible que su información de salud quede a disposición de otros profesionales que participan en su atención y que la solicitan en formato electrónico, por medio de una red de intercambio de información. El propósito de este intercambio de información es lograr que la atención del paciente sea más segura y esté mejor coordinada. La participación en el intercambio de información es voluntaria. Si no desea que su información de salud de Houston Methodist esté a disposición de los profesionales de la salud autorizados a través de la red de intercambio de información, usted puede presentar un formulario de no participación (rechazo) firmado, que puede solicitar a su representante de registro o en www.houstonmethodist.org. Si decide no participar, los

profesionales de la salud no podrán tener acceso a su información de salud a través de la red de intercambio de información.

Autorización para otras divulgaciones: Nosotros no utilizaremos ni divulgaremos su información médica, excepto en los casos descritos en el presente documento, a menos que usted nos autorice por escrito a hacerlo. Puede revocar una autorización por escrito en cualquier momento. Si revoca una autorización, ya no utilizaremos ni divulgaremos su información médica para el objetivo cubierto por la autorización. No obstante, no podemos dar marcha atrás a usos o divulgaciones que ya se hayan realizado con su autorización. Entre los ejemplos específicos de usos o divulgaciones que requieren autorización se incluyen: el uso de notas de psicoterapia, las actividades de comercialización, la venta de su información médica y la mayoría de los usos y divulgaciones por los cuales recibimos una remuneración económica.

Directorio de hospitales: A menos que nos indique lo contrario, nosotros podemos divulgar su nombre, estado de salud y ubicación en el hospital a sus amigos, familiares y otras personas que pregunten por usted mencionando su nombre. Asimismo, a menos que nos indique lo contrario, le brindaremos su nombre, ubicación en el hospital e inclinación religiosa a miembros del clero de su fe o tradición, si así lo solicitaran.

Familiares y amigos: Nosotros podemos usar o divulgar información para notificar o ayudar a notificar a un familiar, representante personal u otra persona responsable de su atención, su ubicación y su estado general. También divulgaremos información médica a un familiar, otro pariente, amigo personal cercano o a otra persona que usted conozca, en caso de que la información sea relevante para la atención o el pago de ésta.

Recaudación de fondos: Podemos utilizar o divulgar su información médica para contactarle como una medida para recaudar dinero para nuestra organización y sus operaciones. Podemos divulgar esta información a Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation para ayudarnos en nuestras actividades de recaudación de fondos. Sólo se divulgará la información de contacto, tal como su nombre, dirección y número de teléfono, así como información relacionada con el departamento de su servicio, su médico tratante, información de



los resultados, situación del seguro médico y las fechas en las cuales recibió tratamiento o servicios en Houston Methodist. Usted tiene derecho a ejercer en cualquier momento la opción de exclusión para no recibir comunicaciones sobre recaudación de fondos, y su solicitud debe respetarse. Las comunicaciones mencionadas contendrán instrucciones claras y evidentes sobre cómo debe ejercer la opción de exclusión para futuras comunicaciones.

Futuras comunicaciones: Podemos utilizar o divulgar su información para comunicarnos con usted por medio de boletines, correo u otro medio en relación con opciones de tratamiento, información relacionada con la salud, programas de control de enfermedades, programas de bienestar u otras iniciativas o actividades comunitarias en las que Houston Methodist participa. Si recibimos alguna remuneración económica por tales comunicaciones (con ciertas limitaciones), obtendremos su autorización antes de enviar la comunicación y usted podrá revocar su autorización en cualquier momento.

Salud y seguridad pública: Nosotros podemos utilizar o divulgar información médica, según lo autorice o requiera la ley local, estatal o federal, para los siguientes propósitos, considerados de interés o beneficio público:• Notificar ciertas enfermedades y heridas, nacimientos

y fallecimientos, y sospechas de casos de abuso, abandono o violencia doméstica;

• Ayudar a identificar, ubicar o denunciar víctimas de delitos, o a sospechosos de delitos, así como fallecimientos sospechosos o conducta delictiva en las instalaciones de Houston Methodist;

• Responder a una orden judicial, una citación u otro proceso judicial;

• Ayudar en labores de socorro en caso de desastres federales;

• Permitir el retiro de productos del mercado, su reparación o reemplazo;

• Responder a una auditoría, inspección o investigación llevada a cabo por un organismo gubernamental relacionado con la salud;

• Ayudar a realizar actividades de inteligencia y contraespionaje y aquellas actividades relacionadas con cuestiones de seguridad nacional;

• Facilitar las donaciones de órganos y tejidos;

• Ayudar a médicos forenses, examinadores médicos y directores funerarios;

• Responder a una solicitud de una cárcel o prisión con respecto a la salud o el tratamiento médico de un preso;

• Responder a una solicitud de una autoridad militar (en caso de ser miembro o veterano de las fuerzas armadas);

• Brindar información a un programa de indemnización laboral.

Socios comerciales: Algunos servicios brindados en Houston Methodist se realizan mediante contratos con socios comerciales. Cuando estos servicios sean contratados, divulgaremos su información médica al socio comercial a fin de que éste pueda llevar a cabo el trabajo que le solicitemos. Sin embargo, la ley federal requiere a los socios comerciales que resguarden su información de forma apropiada.

Investigación: Una vez que la Junta de Revisión Institucional (IRB) lo autorice y en preparación para poder realizar un estudio de investigación, divulgaremos información tanto a los investigadores para que recluten participantes para dicho estudio de investigación, como a algún estudio de investigación científica. La IRB analiza las propuestas de investigaciones y establece protocolos para proteger su seguridad y la privacidad de su información médica.

Protecciones de privacidad especiales para información sobre el abuso de alcohol y drogas: La información sobre el abuso de alcohol y drogas cuenta con protecciones de privacidad especiales. Nosotros no divulgaremos ninguna información que identifique a una persona como paciente ni brindaremos información médica relacionada con el tratamiento por el abuso de sustancias del paciente, a menos que éste preste su consentimiento por escrito; exista una orden de tribunal que requiera la divulgación de la información; que el cuerpo médico necesite la información para satisfacer una emergencia médica; que el personal calificado utilice la información a fin de llevar a cabo una investigación científica, auditorías de administración o financieras o una evaluación del programa; o cuando sea necesario para denunciar un delito o una amenaza de cometerlo, o para denunciar abuso o abandono, según lo requiera la ley.



Derechos Relacionados Con Su Información MédicaSu registro médico es propiedad de Houston Methodist (el profesional de la salud o institución que lo recopiló). Usted goza de los siguientes derechos, con algunas excepciones, con respecto a su información médica creada en Houston Methodist.

Tiene derecho a recibir una copia impresa de esta Notificación. Asimismo, también puede obtener una copia de la presente en nuestro sitio web, www.houstonmethodist.org.

Comunicaciones confidenciales: Tiene derecho a solicitar que le comuniquemos información médica por un medio alternativo o en un lugar alternativo, que no sea su domicilio particular y número de teléfono. La solicitud debe presentarse por escrito a la persona de contacto de Houston Methodist, y debe especificar cómo y dónde desea ser contactado. Intentaremos cumplir con su solicitud de comunicaciones alternativas. Si solicita un medio de comunicación alternativo, dicha solicitud también debe comunicarla a todos sus médicos, incluyendo a su médico particular.

Restricciones: Tiene derecho a solicitar una restricción o limitación sobre la información médica que utilicemos o divulguemos para el tratamiento, pago o asuntos relacionados con la atención médica. Además, tiene derecho a solicitar que haya un límite con respecto a

la información médica que divulguemos a persona(s) involucrada(s) en su atención o el pago de su atención, tal como un familiar o amigo. Por ejemplo, puede solicitar que no utilicemos ni divulguemos información a un familiar acerca de una cirugía a la que se haya sometido. Para solicitar una restricción, debe presentar la solicitud por escrito a la persona de contacto indicada. No estamos obligados a aceptar su solicitud. Si la aceptamos, nuestro acuerdo debe presentarse por escrito, y cumpliremos con la solicitud, a menos que la información sea necesaria para brindarle tratamiento de emergencia.

Asimismo, tiene derecho a solicitar que no utilicemos ni divulguemos información a un plan de salud a los efectos del pago o asuntos relacionados con la atención médica (no para el tratamiento), si la información médica se refiere únicamente a asistencia o servicios médicos puntuales que haya pagado de su bolsillo y en forma total. Su solicitud de restricción debe presentarse por escrito a la persona de contacto indicada. En este caso, Houston Methodist debe respetar su solicitud. No obstante, debe tener en cuenta que dichas restricciones pueden tener consecuencias no planeadas, especialmente, si otros proveedores necesitan saber dicha información (tal como una farmacia que surte una receta). Será su obligación notificar a dichos proveedores acerca de esta restricción. Además, dicha restricción puede afectar la decisión de pago, por parte de su plan de salud, por la atención médica recibida y que tal vez usted no quiera pagar de su bolsillo (la cual no estaría sujeta a dicha restricción).


Acceso: Tiene derecho a revisar y recibir una copia de su información médica, con ciertas excepciones. Por lo general, esta información incluye registros médicos y de facturación, pero no incluye notas de psicoterapia. Su solicitud para revisar o recibir una copia de su información médica debe presentarse por escrito a la persona de contacto indicada. Se le cobrarán tarifas, de conformidad con lo que autorice la ley. En la medida en que su información se conserve en un registro médico electrónico, podrá recibir la información en formato electrónico.

Modificación: Si considera que su información médica es incorrecta o se encuentra incompleta, tiene derecho a solicitar que se modifique. Usted goza del derecho a solicitar una modificación siempre que la información esté en nuestro poder. Su solicitud de modificación debe presentarse por escrito a la persona de contacto indicada, y debe incluir un motivo que respalde su solicitud.

Informe de las divulgaciones: Tiene derecho a recibir una lista de ciertas divulgaciones que hayamos realizado durante los últimos seis años con respecto a su información médica. La solicitud del informe debe presentarse por escrito a la persona de contacto indicada y especificar el período en el cual desea el informe. Puede solicitar un informe sin cargo en un período de 12 meses. Se cobrará una tarifa para listas adicionales solicitadas dentro de un mismo período.

Notificación de incumplimiento: En ciertas circunstancias, tiene derecho a ser notificado en caso de que nosotros o uno de nuestros Socios comerciales descubramos un uso o divulgación inadecuados de su información médica. La notificación de dicho uso o divulgación se realizará de conformidad con los requisitos estatales y federales.

Revisiones de la Notificación: Nos reservamos el derecho a modificar esta Notificación y a implementar nuevas disposiciones para toda la información médica que conservemos en la actualidad, así como la que recibamos en el futuro. Si realizamos una modificación

importante, la Notificación revisada se publicará en Houston Methodist y en nuestro sitio web. Asimismo, se encontrará disponible una copia impresa de la Notificación revisada en caso de que se solicite.

Para presentar un reclamo: Si considera que sus derechos de privacidad relacionados con la información médica han sido violados, puede presentar un reclamo ante Houston Methodist o ante el Secretario del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de los Estados Unidos. No sufrirá sanciones ni se tomarán represalias contra usted por presentar un reclamo, ya sea ante nosotros o ante el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos.

Persona de contacto: Si tiene alguna pregunta o necesita información con respecto a nuestras obligaciones legales y prácticas de privacidad, o sobre cómo debe ejercer cualquiera de sus derechos relacionados con la información médica indicados en esta Notificación, por favor contáctese con:Business Practices OfficerHoustonMethodistSugarLandHospital16655 Southwest FreewaySugar Land, TX 77479281.274.7000



Do You Have Pain?

Use the Pain Rating Scale to tell your doctor or nurse how severe your pain is.

Pain Rating Scale

40 : PHYSICIAN REFERRAL 281-274-7500

Do You Have Pain?Manage your pain so your hospital stay is as comfortable as possible.

Rx Use your zip code to �nd resources for care options at

HealthyAdvice.com/CareSearch

Pain Rating Scale

0 No Hurt

2 Hurts Little Bit

4 Hurts Little More

6 Hurts Even More

8 Hurts Whole Lot

10 Hurts Worst

One of the most common fears about hospitalization is the issue of pain. One of our main goals during your hospital stay is to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. You can expect to receive information about pain and pain relief measures, a commitment to pain prevention and a quick response to reports of pain.You are the expert about how you are feeling. �erefore, be sure to tell your doctor or nurse when you have any kind of pain.

To help describe your pain, be sure to report:n When the pain began.n Where you feel pain.n How the pain feels—sharp, dull, throbbing,

burning, tingling.n If the pain is constant, or if it comes and goes.n What, if anything, makes the pain feel better.n What, if anything, makes the pain feel worse.n How much, if any, pain your medicine is taking away.n If your medicine helps with the pain, how many hours

of relief do you get?

USE THE PAIN RATING SCALE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR OR NURSE HOW SEVERE YOUR PAIN IS.

TORI AMOS QUOTES B.1963

Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to �nd it.





Pain Rating Scale

0 No Hurt

2 Hurts Little Bit

4 Hurts Little More

6 Hurts Even More

8 Hurts Whole Lot

10 Hurts Worst












Pain Rating Scale

0 No Hurt

2 Hurts Little Bit

4 Hurts Little More

6 Hurts Even More

8 Hurts Whole Lot

10 Hurts Worst












Pain Rating Scale

0 No Hurt

2 Hurts Little Bit

4 Hurts Little More

6 Hurts Even More

8 Hurts Whole Lot

10 Hurts Worst












Pain Rating Scale

0 No Hurt

2 Hurts Little Bit

4 Hurts Little More

6 Hurts Even More

8 Hurts Whole Lot

10 Hurts Worst












Pain Rating Scale

0 No Hurt

2 Hurts Little Bit

4 Hurts Little More

6 Hurts Even More

8 Hurts Whole Lot

10 Hurts Worst








0 No Hurt

2HurtsLittleBit

4 HurtsLittleMore

6 HurtsEvenMore

8 HurtsWholeLot

10HurtsWorst

Manage your pain so your hospital stay is as comfortable as possible.One of the most common fears about hospitalization is the issue of pain. One of our main goals during your hospital stay is to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. You can expect to receive information about pain and pain relief measures, a commitment to pain prevention and a quick response to reports of pain. You are the expert about how you are feeling. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor or nurse when you have any kind of pain.

To help describe your pain, be sure to report:• When the pain began.

• Where you feel pain.

• How the pain feels — sharp, dull, throbbing, burning, tingling.

• If the pain is constant, or if it comes and goes.

• What, if anything, makes the pain feel better.

• What, if anything, makes the pain feel worse.

• How much, if any, pain your medicine is taking away.

• If your medicine helps with the pain, how many hours of relief do you get?


Don’t Leave Until…

Five things to know before you walk out that hospital door.When it’s time to be released from the hospital, your physician will authorize a hospital discharge. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you are completely well — it only means that you no longer need hospital services.

Before you can leave the hospital, there are several things that you or your caregiver must attend to.

The first step is to know who will be involved in your discharge process. This starts with the hospital’s case manager or social worker. You and your caregiver should meet this person relatively early in your hospital stay; if not, find out who this person is and be sure to meet with them well before your expected discharge date.

Make sure you have the following information before you leave the hospital:1. Follow-up care instructions. Make sure you have paperwork that tells you:

• what, if any, dietary restrictions you need to follow and for how long• what kinds of activities you can and can’t do and for how long• how to properly care for any injury or incisions you may have• what follow-up tests you may need and when you need to schedule them• what medicines you must take, why and for how long• when you need to see your physician• any other home-care instructions for your caregiver, such as how to get

you in and out of bed, how to use and monitor any equipment and what signs and symptoms to watch out for

• telephone numbers to call if you or your caregiver have any questions pertaining to your after-hospital care

2. Medications list. This is a listing of what medications you are taking, why, in what dosage and who prescribed them. Having a list prepared by the hospital is a good way to double-check the information you should already have been keeping track of.

3. Rx. A prescription for any medications you need. Be sure to fill your prescriptions promptly so you don’t run out of needed medications.

For your convenience, bedside prescription services are available and provided by the Walgreens located on the first floor of Medical Office Building Three.

Be sure to ask what foods to stay away from while on your medications.

Being Discharged

If you have questions regarding the timing of when you will be discharged, please contact your case manager at 281.274.7108 or guest relations at 281.274.7806. Our goal is to discharge by 11 a.m.

If you are a Medicare patient, be sure you are given “An important Message from Medicare” from the hospital’s case manager or social worker. This details your rights and provides information on who to contact to appeal a discharge decision.

Be sure to meet with the hospital’s case manager early in your stay to ensure a smooth discharge process later on.

3. Rx.

Building Three.

Be sure to ask what foods to stay Be sure to ask what foods to stay away from while on your medications.away from while on your medications.


4. Other services. When you leave the hospital, you may need to spend time in a rehabilitation facility, nursing home or other institution. Or you may need to schedule tests at an imaging center, have treatments at a cancer center or have in-home therapy. Be sure to speak with your nurse or physician to get all the details you need before you leave.

5. Community resources. You and your caregiver may feel unprepared for what will happen after you are discharged. Make sure your case manager provides you with information about local resources, such as agencies that can provide services like transportation, equipment, home care and respite care.

Home Health CarePart-time health care provided by medical professionals in a patient’s home to maintain or restore health. It includes a wide range of skilled and non-skilled services, including part-time nursing care, therapy and assistance with daily activities and homemaker services, such as cleaning and meal preparation. Medicare defines home health care as intermittent, physician-ordered medical services or treatment.

Durable Medical Equipment (DME)Medical equipment that is ordered by a doctor for use in a patient’s home. Examples are walkers, crutches, wheelchairs and hospital beds. DME is paid for under both Medicare Part B and Part A for home health services.

Independent LivingCommunities for seniors who are very independent and have few medical problems. Residents live in private apartments. Meals, housekeeping, maintenance and social outings and events are provided.

Assisted LivingAn apartment in a long-term care facility for elderly or disabled people who can no longer live on their own but who don’t need a high level of care. Assisted-living facilities provide assistance with medications, meals in a cafeteria or restaurant-like setting and housekeeping services. Nursing staff is on site. Most facilities have social activities and provide transportation to doctors’ appointments, shopping, etc.

Nursing HomeA residential facility for people with chronic illness or disability, particularly elderly people who need assistance for most or all of their daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing and toileting. Nursing homes provide 24-hour nursing care and are also called convalescent homes or long-term care facilities. Many nursing homes also provide short-term rehabilitative stays for patients recovering from an injury or illness. Some facilities also have a separate unit for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or memory loss.

HospiceA licensed or certified program that provides care for people who are terminally ill and for their families. Hospice care can be provided at home, in a hospice or other freestanding facility or within a hospital. Also referred to as “palliative” care, hospice care emphasizes the management of pain and discomfort and addresses the physical, spiritual, emotional, psychological, financial and legal needs of the patient and his or her family.

Respite Care provides a temporary break for caregivers. Patients spend time in programs such as adult daycare or in week-long or month-long stays in a care facility.


Preparing to Leave the Hospital

Going HomeWhen your doctor determines that you are ready to leave the hospital, he or she will write your discharge order. You will then be given instructions regarding special diets, medication, any limitations on your activities and your follow-up appointment. If you need assistance once you are discharged from the hospital, such as additional community resources, support groups, convalescent care, medical equipment, rehabilitation centers or nursing home care, please contact your physician’s office.

Here are a few tips to make the discharge process run smoothly:• Be sure you and/or your caregiver have spoken with a case manager and

that you understand what services you may need after leaving the hospital.• Verify your discharge date and time with your nurse or doctor.• Have someone available to pick you up.• Check your room, bathroom and bedside table carefully for any

personal items.• Make sure you or your caregiver has all necessary paperwork for billing,

referrals, prescriptions, etc.

Schedule Your Follow-Up AppointmentsFollowing up with your primary care and specialty physicians is important to continue your care and better your health. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital wants to ensure the appointment process is simple and convenient. To help you select a physician and schedule your follow-up appointment for you, please call 281.413.9464.

Affiliate BillingUpon admission or services rendered by Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, the patient or legal representative of the patient must assume some or all of the following responsibilities: The patient or legal representative of the patient can accrue billing from the Hospital, the physicians and affiliated entities such as Houston Methodist Pathology Associates for labs, Radiology Partners Management Group (RPMG) for diagnostics (e.g. x-rays), Emergigroup Physician Associates for the emergency center physicians, Greater Houston Anesthesiology for the anesthesiologists, MASTOS Imaging for breast services, Texas Children’s Physician Services Organization for neonatal physicians and Houston Methodist for the hospital. If the patient has surgery, the patient can accrue billing from the surgeon and an independent surgical assistant. The affiliates listed are contracted with various insurance plans and may not be covered under a patient’s individual plan. Please check with affiliates to determine if they are contracted. Below is contact information for some of the affiliated entities and Houston Methodist Hospital.

When You Are Discharged Your physician determines when you are ready to be discharged. Your physician and nurse will give you discharge instructions and answer any questions you have about managing your treatment and medications once you are home. If you are confused or unsure about what you need to do, what medications you must take or if you have to restrict your diet or activities, don’t be afraid to ask and take notes.

Be sure you understand any instructions you have been given before you leave the hospital.

Commercial InsuranceAs a service to our customers, we will forward a claim to your commercial insurance carrier based on the information you provide at the time of registration. It is very important for you to provide all related information such as policy number, group number and the correct mailing address for your insurance company.

Houston Methodist HospitalP.O. Box 4315Houston, TX 77210-4315832.667.5900 or 877.493.3228

Houston Methodist Pathology AssociatesP.O. Box 4701Houston, TX 77210-4701800.874.1705


Where to Se²le Your BillBefore you leave, we ask that you pay your co-payment, deductible and/or coinsurance. If you have not been cleared by patient access services, please check on your account by stopping by the cashier’s office before you leave: Main Pavilion, first floor, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday; 281.274.0108. Payment can be made by cash, personal check, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover or travelers checks.

Insurance ClaimsThe hospital will file with your insurance for inpatient and outpatient hospital charges approximately five to seven days a�er your discharge. For an updated list of our managed care plans, visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland. If you have questions or need further information while you are still in the hospital, please call patient access services at 281.274.7000. If you have questions a�er your discharge, call patient billing services at 832.667.5900.

Radiology Partners Management Group (RPMG)2190 N. Loop West, Suite 250Houston, TX 77018281.206.9050

Emergigroup Physician AssociatesP.O. Box 24125Forth Worth, TX 76124-1125800.378.4134 or 817.451.4208

Greater Houston AnesthesiologyP.O. Box 301838Dallas, TX 75303713.620.4040

MASTOS ImagingP.O. Box 4109Houston, TX 77210-4109281.359.7788

Texas Children’s Physician Services OrganizationP.O. Box 4984Houston, TX 77210-4984832.824.2300 or800.722.2570

BillingWhat is included in a hospital bill?The hospital bill includes the cost of your room, meals, 24-hour nursing care, laboratory work, tests, medication, therapy and the services of hospital employees. You will receive a separate bill for professional services including physicians, radiologists, pathologists and any other professional fees incurred during your stay.

The hospital is responsible for submitting bills to your insurance company and will do everything possible to expedite your claim. You should remember that your policy is a contract between you and your insurance company and that you have the final responsibility for payment of your hospital bill.

Coordination of Benefits (COB)Coordination of Benefits, referred to as COB, is a term used by insurance companies when you are covered under two or more insurance policies. This usually happens when both husband and wife are listed on each other’s insurance policies or when both parents carry their children on their individual policies or when there is eligibility under two federal programs.

Most insurance companies have COB provisions that determine who is the primary payer when medical expenses are incurred. This prevents duplicate payments. COB priority must be identified on admission in order to comply with insurance guidelines. Your insurance may request a completed COB form before paying a claim, and every attempt will be made to notify you if this occurs. The hospital cannot provide this information to your insurance company. You must resolve this issue with your insurance carrier in order for the claim to be paid.


Preparing to Leave the Hospital

Financial Assistance ProgramTo inquire about the financial assistance program, you can speak with a financial counselor located on the first floor of the Main Pavilion. Our financial counselors will ask you or your family member to complete a financial assistance application for uncompensated or discounted hospital care.

Patient Access Services and Patient Accounting Departments will be responsible for reviewing completed financial assistance application forms (FAAF) and determining eligibility. The eligibility criteria rely on income levels and means testing indexed to the federal poverty guidelines, updated at the beginning of each calendar year and available from the federal government. Eligible applicants are classified as either financially indigent (FI) or medically indigent (MI). The review may be conducted using either the traditional or fast track method.

Public notices of the hospital’s financial assistance program will be posted in different areas of the hospital. Copies of the financial assistance guidelines will be distributed with the patient packet and given to all patients with an expressed, implied or presumed need.

Special Information for OutpatientsRegistrationIf you will require hospital services after your stay, you are encouraged to register in person at least two days prior to your outpatient procedure. Registration is available from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday; Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Preparation for Your Outpatient ProcedureMany procedures require special preparations, which may begin a day or more before your actual procedure. Please contact your physician’s office for complete instructions. The physician office staff will let you know if you will need assistance following the procedure.

Payment ArrangementsThe hospital will file with your insurance for outpatient hospital charges. However, you will be asked to make payment arrangements for any patient portion not satisfied. In addition to your hospital bill, your doctor and any specialist called for consultation will mail you separate bills. For example, if you have surgery, your anesthesiologist and other specialists will also send bills, such as radiologists, emergency physicians and/or pathologists.

If you have specific questions following your procedure, please call patient access services at 281.274.7000.

MedicareThis hospital is an approved Medicare provider. All services billed to Medicare follow federal guidelines and procedures. Medicare has a COB clause. At the time of service you will be asked to answer questions to help determine the primary insurance carrier paying for your visit. This is referred to as an MSP Questionnaire and is required by federal law. Your assistance in providing accurate information will allow us to bill the correct insurance company.

Medicare deductibles and co-insurance are sometimes covered by your secondary insurance. If you do not have a secondary insurance, you will be asked to pay these amounts or establish a payment plan. If you are unable to pay these amounts, we will help you determine if you qualify for financial assistance.


For the Caregiver

Your role as a patient advocateWhile your loved one is in the hospital, who will speak up for him or her? You can, by being the patient’s advocate — the person who will help the patient work with doctors, nurses and hospital staff.

To help your loved one make the best decisions about their care and treatment, follow the advice in the caregiver list to the right.

While you are making sure that your loved one’s needs are being met, don’t neglect your own. Caregiving is a stressful and time-consuming job. You may neglect your diet, your normal exercise routine and your sleep needs. You may find that you have little or no time to spend with friends, to relax or to just be by yourself for a while. But down time is important. Don’t be reluctant to ask for help in caring for your loved one. Take advantage of friends’ offers to help, and look into local adult daycare programs. Find out more about how you can ease the stress of caregiving at caregiver.org.

Caregiver...Know what conditionyour loved one is being treated for.

Patient’s rightsKnow your loved one’s patient’s rights and responsibilities. (See page 13)

Advance directives?Know whether or not your loved one has a Directive to Physician and if so, what it specifies. (See page 25) If they have one, bring a copy from home.

Ask questionsIf your loved one is too ill or reluctant to ask questions, make note of their concerns and don’t be afraid to speak up. (See Speak Up! on page 12)

Help track medicationsYour loved one may be prescribed medications while in the hospital and may be seen by several doctors. Keep track of it all with My Medications on page 53.

What’s nextWill your loved one need home care or care at another facility? Ask to speak with a case manager to find out what your options are.


Resources

Staff DefinitionsPhysiciansYour primary care physician or a hospitalist, will supervise your care while you are in the hospital.

NursesIn each nursing unit, a registered nurse is responsible for supervising patient care and directing the nursing and support staff of the unit. Registered nurses are assisted by nursing assistants and nurse technicians. The nursing staff is available around the clock.

Dietitians 281.274.7015A registered dietitian will review your medical record and work with your health care team to develop a nutrition care plan for you. Registered dietitians are also available to educate you about your diet. Your nurse will be able to assist you with this request.

Rehabilitation TherapistsInpatient 281.274.7064Outpatient 281.340.6450Physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech pathologists will work with you, your family and your medical team to help meet goals of recovery. Therapy may range from brief consultation to long-term intervention, based on the extent of your injuries or illness.

Guest Relations 281.274.7806If you have concerns about the care you or your family member received, we encourage you to speak with your physician or with the nursing supervisor. If you feel that your issue wasn’t resolved, please contact the Guest Relations Department.

Case Managers and Social Workers 281.274.7108Case managers will review your medical record and discuss your discharge planning. They are also available to assist you with arrangement for home care, admission to a long-term care facility or rehabilitation care.

Social workers offer emotional support, counseling and guidance to help patients and their families deal with financial, social and emotional problems related to illness or hospitalization.

PharmacistsA pharmacist is on duty around the clock to dispense your medications. Pharmacists also routinely review your medication lists to ensure medication safety as it might relate to drug interactions, duplication of therapy, dosing, administration and lab monitoring. Please let your nurse know if you would like to speak directly to a pharmacist.

Chaplain 281.274.7164The hospital Chaplain and a group of volunteer ministers are available to all patients and their families for prayer and support. Please contact your nurse to request these services. A chapel is located on the first floor in the Sweetwater Pavilion and the second floor of the Main Pavilion, near surgery waiting. The Muslim Prayer Room is located on the first floor of the Sweetwater Pavilion.

Volunteers 281.274.7127Volunteers give thousands of hours each year to our hospital to enhance the care of our patients and their families. They provide support throughout the hospital, including assisting at the information desk, delivering mail and flowers, escorting patients and assisting with clerical duties in the patient care areas.

Hospital ResourcesCare ManagementThe care management team includes nurse case managers and social workers who work with your doctors during your hospitalization to help meet your health care needs. If your doctor orders services for after you are discharged such as home health, medical equipment or a transfer to another health care facility, the care management team will assist with this as well.

The care management team can also provide information and community resources that may offer you assistance, especially with any lifestyle adjustments due to a change in your health. Please ask to speak to a social worker if you would like assistance with any of these services.


Support GroupsGrief Support — Meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Conference Room D; meal provided to attendees.

Breast Cancer Support Group — Survivors Offering Support — meets on the third Thursday of each month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Main Pavilion Conference Rooms BC.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers — A six week program offered in the Spring and Fall.

For more information, please contact the Department of Spiritual Care at 281.274.7164.

Caregiver Resourcesaoa.govCaregiver resources from the Administration on Aging.

caregiveraction.org 202.454.3970Support for caregivers of chronically ill, aged or disabled loved ones.

caregiving.comOnline support groups and articles on caregiving.

caregiving.orgSupport for family caregivers and the professionals who serve them.

eldercare.gov 800.677.1116Help with locating aging services throughout the U.S.

medicare.gov 800-MEDICAREOfficial U.S. government site for people with Medicare.


Giving Back

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Cancer FundHouston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is committed to providing quality health care. You can help us help cancer patients undergoing treatment by making a contribution to Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Cancer Fund.

The cancer fund creates an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in our community. 100% of funds donated will stay within our community to assist patients with transportation, durable medical equipment, prescription medication and other household costs.

You may make a donation in honor or in memory of a friend, family member or loved one. If there has been a staff member who has helped make your experience a great one, you may also make a donation in recognition of him or her.

To make a donation please visit our website at houstonmethodist.org/sugarland and click on the red Donate Now button.

For more information or to apply for funding, please contact Frances Goerlich at [email protected] or 281.274.7930.

Houston Methodist Hospital FoundationYou can also make a contribution to Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation. The Foundation was established to ensure Houston Methodist has the support needed to achieve its vision for excellence in research, education and patient care. Governed by a board of directors, the Foundation accepts all gifts on behalf of Houston Methodist for the benefit of the organization. The Foundation helps to accomplish the priorities of Houston Methodist through fundraising, volunteerism, gift management and stewardship.

Your gift will also help us enhance our services, programs and facilities to better care for our community.

Tax-deductible gifts can be made in the form of cash, check, credit card or stocks. You may also remember Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation in your will and through life insurance, among other gift options.

For more information, contact Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation at 832.667.5816.

Help through FundraisingWe may share health information about you with Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation — such as your name, address, telephone number and the dates you received treatment or services at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital — in an effort to raise money for our organization and its operations.

VolunteerHouston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is proud of its volunteers. If you would like to become a volunteer, please do the following to assist us in placing you:• Submit an application• Pre-screen phone interview• A²end personal interview, health

screen and orientation• Assignment and training

To learn more call 281.274.7127.


My Medications

Keep track of all medications you are prescribed while in the hospital.

When you get home, add all other medications — including over-the-counter, vitamins and herbs — to this list. Update your list as needed.

Medication: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________(include brand and generic names)

Dose: Take ________________ times per day at (circle all that apply): midnight–1 a.m. / 2–3 a.m. / 4–5 a.m. / 6–7 a.m. / 8–9 a.m. / 10–11 a.m. / noon–1 p.m. / 2–3 p.m. / 4–5 p.m. / 6–7 p.m. / 8–9 p.m. / 10–11 p.m.

Reason for taking: _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Prescribed by: ____________________________________________________ Date started:____________________________________

Pharmacy name and number: ______________________________________________ /_______________________________________
















54 | PHySician ReFeRRaL 281.274.7500


Nominate a Nurse for The DAISY Award

DAISY Award honorees personify Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s remarkable patient experience. These nurses consistently demonstrate excellence through their clinical expertise and extraordinary compassionate care, and they are recognized as outstanding role models in our nursing community.

What is The DAISY Award?The DAISY Award is an international program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses everyday. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is proud to be a DAISY Award Partner, recognizing one of our nurses with this special honor quarterly.

About The DAISY FoundationThe DAISY Foundation was established in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died of complication of the auto-immune disease Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP) at the age of 33. (DAISY is an acronym for diseases attacking the immune system.) During Pat’s eight week hospitalization, his family was awestruck by the care and compassion his nurses provided not only to Pat but to everyone in his family. So one of the goals they set in creating a foundation in Pat’s memory was to recognize extraordinary nurses everywhere who make an enormous difference in the lives of so many people by the super-human work they do every day.

Each DAISY Award honoree will be recognized at a public ceremony in her/his unit and will receive: a beautiful certificate, a DAISY Award pin and a hand-carved stone sculpture entitled “A Healer’s Touch”. Additionally, everyone in the unit will celebrate with Cinnabon® cinnamon rolls — a favorite of Patrick’s during his illness. The Barnes family asks that whenever and wherever nurses smell that wonderful cinnamon aroma, they stop for a moment and think about how special they are. To find out more about the program, including the growing list of partners, please go to DAISYfoundation.org.

How to Nominate an Extraordinary NursePatients, visitors, nurses, physicians and employees may nominate a deserving nurse by filling out this form and submitting it to the nurse manager. An electronic version of the form is available on our website at houstonmethodist.org/daisy-awards.

Nomination FormI nominate ____________________________________________________ as a deserving recipient of The DAISY Award.

This nurse has demonstrated clinical skill, compassionate care, exemplary service and a commitment to excellence. I would like to share a story about why this nurse is so special.

Thank you for taking the time to nominate an extraordinary nurse for this award. Please tell us about yourself so we may include you in the celebration of this award should the nurse you nominated be chosen.

Your Name ________________________________ Phone____________________ Email____________________________

I am � RN � Patient � Family/Visitor � MD � Staff � Volunteer Date of Nomination__________________________

ManagerAcknowledgment: I acknowledge that this nurse is in good standing.

Signed _______________________________________________ Title _____________________________________________________

Nominations received after March 1, June 1, September 1 or December 1 will be considered for the following quarter’s DAISY Award.







• Aquatic Therapy

• Birthing Center

- Level II A&B NICU


• Cancer Center

• Cardiology

• Cath Lab



• Endoscopy


• Infusion Center


• Intensive Care

• Joint Center

• Lab




• Speech Therapy

• Spine Center













• Aquatic Therapy

• Birthing Center

- Level II A&B NICU


• Cancer Center

• Cardiology

• Cath Lab



• Endoscopy


• Infusion Center


• Intensive Care

• Joint Center

• Lab




• Speech Therapy

• Spine Center







• Aquatic Therapy• Birthing Center – Level II A&B NICU• Breast Care Center• Cancer Center• Cath Lab• Diagnostic Imaging• Emergency Department

• Endoscopy• Headaches & Migraines• Heart & Vascular Center• Infusion Center• Inpatient Services• Intensive Care• Joint Center• Lab

• Neuroscience & Spine Center• Occupational Therapy• Physical Therapy• Respiratory Therapy• Speech Therapy• Surgical Services – Robotics Technology• Wound Care Program

OUR SERVICES:

THE RIGHT THERAPY THE RIGHT THERAPISTS

Schedule Now: 281.274.0123

Three Convenient Locations:Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital16655 Southwest FreewaySugar Land, Texas 77479Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Rehab and speech services located in the Neuroscience & Spine Center off Town Center Blvd.

Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine16811 Southwest Freeway, Suite 100Sugar Land, Texas 77479Monday – Thursday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.Friday: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Houston Methodist Sienna PlantationPhysical Therapy Services8330 Hwy 6, Suite 200Missouri City, Texas 77459Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Physical therapy only

Occupational/Hand TherapyAquatic TherapyPhysical Therapy

Today’s advanced therapy techniques can help make your recovery easier and faster. Choosing the right facility — and the right physical, occupational or speech therapists — can make all the di�erence.

Our therapists are: • Board-certifiedspecialistsinsports,orthopedicsand hand therapy. • Fellowshiptrainedinmanipulativeandmanualtherapy. • Certifiedstrengthandconditioningspecialists. • CertifiedforBIGandLOUDtherapyforParkinson’spatients.

Service and compassionate care go hand in hand at our state-of-the-artfacility.Ourmultidisciplinaryteamcoversthe entire spectrum of services patients need to continue their recovery from illness, injury or disease. We offer certifiedspecialistsandleading-edgetechniquestohelp patients return to the highest possible quality of life.

Whether the goal is to get you back in the game, back to work,orbacktoyourhobbiesandpassions,ourtherapists willbewithyoueverystepoftheway.

PATIENT GUIDEWelcome to Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

16655 Southwest FreewaySugar Land, Texas 77479houstonmethodist.org/sugarland

To learn more or to make a donation, visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland and click on the red Donate Now button!

patient guide

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