Frequently Asked Questions
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento
 Learn more about Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento |
Many patients have questions regarding their visit at Sutter Medical Center. We have provided the following information and frequently asked questions to help you prepare for your hospital stay.
Charity Care for Low Income Uninsured Patients
Preparing for your hospital stay
Visitors
Patient rooms
Other Questions
Preparing for your hospital stay | top
Sutter General parking is available for you and your visitors at nominal rates under the freeway in the block bounded by 29th and 30th Streets, and K and L Streets. Entrances to the public parking area are located on both 29th and 30th Streets. There is also metered public parking on the streets surrounding the hospital.
Sutter Memorial parking is available for you and your visitors on the north side of Sutter Memorial in Main Parking Lot C. The hospital entrance is located at 53rd and F Streets. Parking is free for the first two hours, with a $5 per day maximum charge.
Once I arrive at the hospital, where should I go first?
Go to the admissions desk located in the lobby at either hospital. An admissions representative will ask you to fill out some forms and then you will be escorted to your destination.
If you are a patient in labor, use Sutter Memorial's Emergency Department entrance to register. If you have already been pre-admitted, you will just need to sign a treatment consent form. If you have not been pre-admitted, you will need to complete other forms at this time as well.
Will I need to bring any paperwork?
Please bring any medical insurance cards and any necessary claims forms. This will speed the admissions process. If you have pre-registered and recently changed insurance companies, please bring your current insurance card and forms.
What if I become too sick to decide?
California law allows you to choose someone to make healthcare decisions for you if for any reason you become unable to make these decisions for yourself. To do this, all you have to do is complete a form called, "Power of Attorney for Health Care." By filling out this special form, you will appoint someone to make healthcare decisions for you and specify any wishes you may have concerning your healthcare, including a desire not to receive treatment that merely prolongs a terminal illness. Forms are available from hospital social workers.
You may also verbally designate a surrogate during your admission process. Your surrogate would then be able to make healthcare decisions for you should you become unable to during your hospital stay. For more information, ask your physician, nurse or social worker.
Do I need to take any tests first?
Your doctor's office will tell you if any tests are needed in advance. Results from tests are necessary prior to many services and surgical procedures. Please make sure you have completed the tests prior to your arrival. Some insurance companies require you to receive some tests at outside facilities and the results are sent to the hospital before your arrival. Please check with your insurance company if you have any questions about your insurance coverage.
What are my rights as a patient?
Sutter Medical Center follows legal requirements concerning your rights to make decisions about medical treatment. Please refer to the Patient Bill of Rights on this Web site for more details. A social worker is available to answer any questions you may have about these issues.
What personal items should I bring?
Hospital gowns are available, but you may bring your own dressing robe and slippers. We encourage you to bring your own toiletries from home. If you are having a baby, bring clothes for your newborn. Upon discharge, you are required by law to have an infant car seat to transport your newborn home. Pediatric patients may bring one special blanket or a comforting stuffed animal. Upon discharge, you are required by law to have a car seat to transport children under the age of six or less than 60 pounds.
What about my valuables?
Please do not bring jewelry (including rings), money or other valuable items to the Medical Center. If you do have money or valuables when you are admitted, please ask someone to take them home for you. You also may deposit them in the Medical Center safe during your stay. You will be given a receipt. Sutter General and Sutter Memorial Hospitals do not assume liability for personal property.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. You will be more relaxed when you arrive at the Medical Center and you will find it easier to move around the facility for tests or different appointments and procedures. In addition, it will make changing clothes much easier.
Can I keep my clothes at the hospital?
There are small closets for your use in your hospital room. However, to best safeguard your clothing, please ask a family member or friend to take them home during your stay. They can be returned to you when you are ready to be discharged. If you are going to be transferred to another facility, such as a skilled nursing facility, please bring your own nightwear to use when you leave the hospital.
Can I smoke?
Sutter Medical Center Sacramento campuses which include Sutter General, Sutter Memorial, Sutter Center for Psychiatry, and Sutter Oaks Midtown are Tobacco and Smoke Free campuses as of October 1, 2007. This means that the use of tobacco in any form and all smoking is prohibited on these properties.If you believe this may be problematic for you during your stay, please discuss this with your physician as it may be possible to arrange for smoking cessation aides.
What if I have dentures?
If you wear dentures, tell your nurse when you arrive in your room. The nurse will provide you with a special container for them. Please do not leave them on your meal tray.
What if I'm taking medications?
Please bring a list of your medications and dosages. Your physician will evaluate which ones you should continue taking while in the hospital. These will be dispensed to you by the hospital pharmacy during your stay. Any medications brought from home will be sent to the pharmacy. This procedure ensures that the medications you are currently taking do not interfere or interact with new medications ordered for you during your stay, and prevents the loss of your medications from home.
Can I bring a hair dryer or electric razor?
Due to special wiring and safety codes designed to protect you and others, privately owned electrical appliances are not permitted in the hospital. Please do not bring personal computers, VCRs, hair dryers, curling irons, electric shavers or radios. Battery-operated appliances, such as a portable radio, cassette, or CD player, or rechargeable shaver, may be used in the hospital. Cellular phones may not be used in the hospital as they may interfere with electronic equipment in the facility. You are responsible for the security of any personal items.
What if I have special needs?
You should talk to your physician first about these needs. In addition, tell your nurse as soon as you are admitted. If you have special dietary needs, your nurse will arrange for you to discuss these needs with a clinical dietician from the Nutrition and Food Services Department. Language interpreters are also available for almost any language 24 hours a day. Your nurse can help you obtain these services.
What about meals?
The Nutrition and Food Services Department will bring meals three times a day and snacks upon request (provided your physician does not restrict your diet). Patients' meals are generally served as follows: breakfast, 7:00 a.m.; lunch, 11:30 a.m.; and dinner, 5:00 p.m.
Dining
Visitors are welcome in our dining rooms which are open from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and from 12:30 a.m. to 4 a.m. Coffee, soft drinks, and cold foods are always available during these hours.
Hot meals are served at the following times:
Lunch 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Dinner 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
For the convenience of your visitors, vending machines and a full coffee bar are available in both hospitals.
Can my family or friends bring food for me?
You may eat food brought in by your family or visitors (except for home-canned food), but please obtain your physician's approval first. Some foods may be restricted if they interact with your medications or are not listed on your diet prescription. There are no cooking facilities available to patients and visitors at the Medical Center and storage space for items like food is limited.
Visitor Information | top
When can I have visitors?
Unless your doctor restricts visitors, your family and friends are welcome 24 hours a day.
What hotels are available in the Sacramento area for families and friends?
The Sacramento area has a wide selection of hotels and motels where visitors can stay while their family member or friend is in the hospital. Click here for a listing of phone numbers and addresses or visit the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce website.
Can my family or friends eat with me?
For a nominal fee, your visitors can order meal trays to be served in your room at patient meal times. If a guest tray is desired, have your friend or family member visit the cafeteria cashier and pay for the meal. Then, they should obtain a menu from the nurses' station in your unit, make a selection and return the completed menu to the nurses' station. The guest tray will be delivered during your mealtime.
Will I be able to make phone calls?
Your bedside telephone enables you to place most local, toll, long-distance and credit card telephone calls without the assistance of the hospital operator. You will receive detailed information about how to use the phone in the patient handbook in your room.
TDD telephones are available, as well.
Patient Room | top
Will there be a television in my room?
Yes. All rooms have televisions and remote control devices.
Can I have a private room?
Some private rooms are available. If your doctor orders a private room for medical reasons, your insurance generally pays for it. Since benefits for private room coverage vary among insurance companies, you should check with your insurance representative or review your policy prior to your arrival at the hospital.
The single rooms on the pediatrics unit are primarily for isolation precautions. If your child is in one of these rooms, but does not require isolation, it may be necessary for the bed assignment to be changed.
Other Questions | top
What if I have other questions?
Please call if you have any additional questions.
Sutter Medical Center Sacramento
- Sutter General (916) 454-2222
- Sutter Memorial (916) 454-3333
Preregistration for Surgeries and Procedures
- (916) 453-5818
- (916) 733-8433
Admitting Department (Registration)
- Sutter General (916) 454-2222 ext 83403
- Sutter Memorial (916) 454-3333 ext 11515
Business Office
- (800) 353-3369
Financial Counselor / Preadmissions
- (916) 453-5818
Information Desk/Auxiliary
- Sutter General (916) 454-2222 ext 83403
- Sutter Memorial (916) 454-3333 ext 11515
TTY Line
- (916) 454-2277
For more information on SMCS's Tobacco/Smoke Free policy, view the policy's Frequently Asked Questions.
What if I have a concern or complaint during or about my hospital stay?
We want you to have the best possible care and experience while you are with us. If you should have any concerns or complaints about your stay at Sutter Medical Center Sacramento, you may call Quality Review Services at (916) 733-3075. Our complaint line is also available at (916) 733-8833. You also may be asked to complete a written survey questionnaire or respond to a telephone survey about your stay, and we would encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to provide us with your feedback.