Patient information
Information, guidance and resources for our patients
Because patient care is our most important job, Doctors' Hospital Augusta is committed to creating an environment that is safe and comfortable for our patients and visitors while we treat you like family. Our unique programs and services are designed to make your experience at our hospitals exceptional. Whenever you show up to see us, we show up for you in every way.
Helpful links for patients
Helpful links for patients
Online registration
We know your time is valuable. That’s why we offer convenient online registration for services such as surgical procedures, mammograms, and diagnostic tests and treatments.
We know your time is valuable. That’s why we offer convenient online registration for services such as surgical procedures, mammograms, and diagnostic tests and treatments.
Participating insurance plans
We accept all forms of government insurance from the U.S., Canada and other countries. We also accept Medicare, Medicaid, Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS), and workers compensation.
Advance care planning
Advance directives are legal documents that allow you to give directions for your future medical care. Advance directives help you protect your right to request or refuse care.
Patient rights and responsibilities
We respect the dignity and pride of each individual we serve. We want our patients to be informed of their rights, responsibilities and have access to contacts for complaints and grievances.
Insurance and billing
At Doctors' Hospital Augusta, we are committed to providing you with the best available healthcare along with convenient and reliable billing services. In order to provide easy and reliable billing services, you may inquire about your bill and/or pay your bill online.
For patients
Stay informed about the various programs and services available to you at our hospital.
Patient services
Patient care is our most important job. We want to make sure your experience is as pleasant as possible, so if you need a map of our campus or need access to your medical records, we aim to provide everything you need. In addition, we offer access to a variety of resources to help you live your healthiest life, including a downloadable medication form to help keep track of what supplements and medications you take.
Other resources that may be helpful include:
Plus Care Network
If you are in need of additional support after being discharged from the hospital, our Plus Care Network is here for guidance. Learn more about the continuing care opportunities we offer.
Recognize our employees
Want to say thank you to your care team? Please consider nominating them for one of our recognition programs.
The BEE Award
The BEE Award was established to recognize non-nursing staff who specialize in being exceptional every day, supporting nurses and patients alike. Nominate a staff member for a BEE Award.
The DAISY Award
The DAISY Award is an international program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary, compassionate and skillful care given by nurses every day. Learn more about The DAISY Award and nominate one of our nurses.
The ROSE Award
The ROSE is a recognition of service excellence by ancillary and support staff who improve the experience of both patients and visitors. Make a nomination for the ROSE Award and learn more.
FAQs
To make your stay with us as easy and comfortable as possible, we have provided answers to some of the most common questions we are asked.
Can I bring valuables, clothing or other personal items with me during my hospital stay?
We do not assume responsibility for any valuables, clothing or other personal items. Please leave valuables at home or send them home with members of your family. Eyeglasses, contact lenses and dentures should be kept in protective containers when not in use. If you have prosthetic devices such as dentures and hearing aids and have no special containers for them, please ask your nurses for containers. If you should misplace any of your belongings, please notify the nurse manager of the floor you are on. Items left after you are discharged are kept at the security office for 30 days before they are discarded.
Can I receive mail and flowers during my hospital stay?
Your mail is delivered daily by hospital volunteers. Flowers are also delivered to all rooms, except those in the critical care units. Critical care patients will be notified of mail or flowers received after discharge.
What should I expect upon being discharged from the hospital?
Your physician is the only one who can complete the discharge order for you to go home. They should let you know in time to make any necessary arrangements. Before you leave, the physician or nurse may have instructions to give you for continued care at home, and this is a good time to ask questions about any concerns you may have. So that we may prepare our rooms for incoming patients, we ask that you make arrangements to check out and leave your room by 11:00am. However, your dismissal time is determined by your physician’s orders.
Who is allowed to take me home when I am discharged from the hospital?
A responsible adult needs to be available to provide transportation to your home.
Am I allowed to use my cell phone in the hospital?
Cell phones are restricted from use in patient care areas as they can interfere with electronic medical equipment. Cell phones may be used in the main lobby, waiting rooms, cafeteria and anywhere outside the hospital. You may encounter difficulty using cell phones due to shielding and the building structure.
Can I smoke in the hospital?
In line with our mission as a healthcare institution, we are a “smoke free” facility. Designated smoking areas are available at various locations outside the hospital.
Who should I contact with any comments or concerns while in the hospital?
We will respond in a timely manner to all concerns or complaints expressed by patients, physicians, employees and visitors. During your stay, if you have any comments or concerns regarding your care, please inform your nurse or the nurse manager. Your comments will assist us in improving our services and maintaining quality healthcare for all patients and visitors.
If you have a concern that cannot be resolved through an informal process, a grievance committee is available with appropriate procedures for resolution. Our commitment to your satisfactions guarantees that we will do everything we can to see that your stay is as pleasant as possible.
You may contact the Office of Regulatory Services for grievance issues at (800) 878-6442. Or send mail to:
Georgia Department of Human Resources
Two Peachtree St, N.W.Suite 33-350
Atlanta, GA 30303
Will my room be cleaned while I am in the hospital?
Our staff will make every effort to keep your room clean, comfortable and well supplied. If you have any needs or concerns, please let your nurse know, or call Environmental Services at (706) 651-2417.
Is any kind of security provided at the hospital?
Our security staff strives to ensure a safe environment for all. However, we encourage you to take reasonable care for your own safety. Please, do not keep valuables with you while you are a patient. Ask your visitors not to leave their purses or other valuables in an unattended room. Encourage your visitors to move directly to and from their vehicles at night when visiting you, even though we maintain a well-lit and security-patrolled parking lot. If, for any reason, your visitors would like a security officer to escort them to their car or any other location on hospital property, request the hospital operator to contact security. Please be advised that all facility entrances, except the emergency department entrance, are locked between the hours of 9:00pm and 6:00am.
How do I contact my friends and family by phone?
There are direct phone lines in each patient room. Your family or friends may call you by dialing (706) 651-XXXX:
- If your bed is by the door, or if you are in a private room, dial "4," plus your room number.
- Example — If you are in room 740 by the door, your number would be (706) 651-4740
- If your bed is by the window, dial "5," plus your room number.
Can I bring my medications from home while staying in the hospital?
Do not bring medications from home to the hospital, unless your physician tells you to do so. All medications must be stored at the nursing station, and administered by hospital staff. Be sure to advise your physicians and nurses if you have been taking medications recently, or have any drug allergies.