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Make sure you have any prescribed pre-admission testing done prior to the date you are being admitted to the hospital.

Bring your insurance card and some form of identification such as a driver's license.

Leave your valuables at home. Take only those things that you need to be comfortable during your stay.

If you don’t have a Living Will, consider completing one so your family will know what your wishes are if you are unable to make decisions for yourself. You can download a sample Living Will form and a Health Care Surrogate form. To become an organ donor, you can download a registration form.

Know your medical history including any allergies and/or adverse reactions.

Bring a list of your current medications, including the name, dosage and frequency including any vitamin or herbal supplements you are taking.

Know your rights and responsibilities as a patient by reading the Florida’s Patient’s Bill of Rights.

Ask your physician questions about the procedure, what to expect, how long you will be in the hospital and whether you will be sent home or to another facility to recover.

Understand your role in preventing errors. Review Five Steps to Safer Health Care (also available in Spanish) and the JCAHO Guide on preventing medical errors.

Learn what you can do to reduce your chances of developing an infection by reviewing the latest tips on preventing infections.

Learn what you should know and can do for a safer surgery by reviewing the Tips for Safer Surgery            

Know in advance the hospital’s policies on cell phone use and visitation hours.

Inform family and friends that you are going to the hospital and the name of the hospital. Once you are admitted, notify others of your room number or phone number in the hospital.