We are dedicated to ensuring that your stay, discharge (procedure to checkout of the hospital) and after care will be as smooth and comfortable as possible. Your doctor will advise you when you may go home.
Your interdisciplinary treatment team will begin to plan your discharge with you prior to the doctor's order for your discharge. You play a vital role in the preparation of your discharge.
You may want to make arrangements for a family member or friend to help you when it’s time to leave the hospital. If possible, please arrange for transportation in advance. If you need assistance with transportation home, please call the Nursing Office at ext. 5343.
Northridge Hospital participates in a “Home by Noon” program, which aims to discharge each patient by 12 p.m. However, each patient’s discharge is catered to individual needs and may require more time.
Here are a few tips to prepare for discharge from the hospital.
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Belongings
Collect all belongings and double-check closets and drawers. If you have anything stored in the hospital safe, call the Admitting Department and they will arrange for your belongings to be brought to you.
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Discharge Instructions
You will be given complete written instructions from your physician and care team for your after-hospital care. We want to adequately prepare you to either be cared for by home health professionals, or to thoroughly educate you in how to care for yourself when you get home. Be sure to ask questions at this time.
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Escort Service
When you are ready to leave, a hospital representative will escort you to the front entrance and help you into the car.
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Medical Equipment
The Case Management Department will order any necessary medical equipment for you. The Rehabilitation Department will order equipment for Rehabilitation patients. It is important to discuss with your case manager where equipment is being ordered from and if it was rented or purchased. After discharge, please contact the vendor with any questions first, then your case manager.
Requesting Your Medical Records
You may request copies of your medical records by contacting the Medical Record Department’s Correspondence Office, at 818-885-8500, ext. 2980. The staff will be happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have. Our patients’ privacy is important and we would like to assure you that an authorization must be signed by the patient in order to release copies of medical records to anyone.
Financial Questions
For patients with health insurance: Please be aware that if your insurance company fails to make any payment on your account, we may ask for full payment from you. Once we receive a payment or denial from your insurance company, you will receive a statement showing the amount that is due from you.
This amount should be the same amount noted on the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) you receive from your insurance company. This amount is due when you receive the statement. If you have questions, please contact your insurance company or our Customer Service number located on your billing statement.
Depending on how quickly the insurance company processes the bill, it may take three to 12 weeks for you to receive a bill. Please note: You may receive more than one bill for the medical services you received, which can include one from the Medical Center and one from each of your doctor(s). That’s because physicians are not employees of the hospital and will bill for their services separately. You may receive billing from Radiologists, Anesthesiologists, Pathologists, and others.
If you need help paying your bill, you may qualify for a government-sponsored program or CHW Payment Assistance Program that may cover some or all of your balance.
Business Office
We are located at Northridge Hospital Medical Center in the Admitting/Cashiering Office. We are open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Business Office (For questions about your bill): 818-885-5368
Payment Assistance (To inquire about financial assistance programs): 818-885-5354
Northridge Hospital Foundation
People give for many reasons. The motivation to give may come from a personal response to the care and concern given by the hospital staff or in appreciation of the skill and dedication displayed by an individual doctor or nurse.
The gift can come from community pride or simply the desire to perpetuate superior medical care. A gift is often made because of a pure and simple desire to do good; to help others.
Your generosity ensures that the hospital will continue to provide the finest quality healthcare available. A gift to the Foundation’s Grateful Patient Program in honor of a caregiver is a powerful way to say “thank you” to the people who were there when you needed them the most - your doctors, nurses, therapists, or any member of the healthcare team that provided you with exceptional care.
Upon receipt of your special gift, we will notify the person or department you wish to honor. The Foundation is available to discuss many opportunities for donating or feel free to visit the Foundation website at www.NorthridgeHospitalFoundation.org to donate online. You can reach the Foundation 818-885-5341.
Patient Satisfaction
It is our intent to make a difference in people’s lives through excellent patient care. We take pride in what we do and always strive to make improvements to better meet the needs of our patients and their families. From admitting to discharge, we want to provide you with the best healthcare experience possible.
After you leave the hospital, you will have the opportunity to express your satisfaction or to voice concerns about the care you received. We will contact you via one of the following methods.
- You will be mailed a satisfaction survey regarding how the hospital met your specific healthcare needs. We want to assure you that your feedback is completely confidential. Your name will not be associated with the report. The results of your survey will be summarized by an independent firm and reported to Northridge Hospital.
- You may also receive a personal phone call from a staff member. Many of our units routinely call patients to ensure their satisfaction with the care provided. Without your input, improvement would not be possible.
We thank you for caring enough to let us know how we are doing, and again, we thank you for choosing Northridge Hospital. We are always looking to improve.
