Patients & Family
Discharge Planning
Discharge is a planned event that involves the patient and the family. Your doctor, nurses and other health care professionals help you co-ordinate your care so that you are well prepared to return home when possible. We work with many community resources when necessary, to provide follow-up on your recovery when you leave the hospital.
On the day you leave, we ask that you arrange to checkout of the hospital before 10:00 am. This allows time to prepare for the admission of new patients who need care. Please let your nurse know if this is a problem.
Your Account
As a patient you are responsible for understanding your healthcare plan benefits and the extent of your coverages. Before coming to the hospital please contact your healthcare provider to discuss your plan. At registration you will be asked for your healthcare provider’s information and your preferred accommodation (i.e. ward, semi-private, private). Knowing your healthcare coverage upfront will eliminate billing issues upon your discharge from the hospital.
If you are a Canadian resident and have a valid health card, expenses related to your care are usually covered by the Ontario Ministry of Health (OHIP) or your insurance plan. This includes in-patient supplied food, x-ray, medication, laboratory services, medical and surgical supplies, support services and more.
Preferred accommodation billings for semi-private and private rooms will be directed to your health insurance company but the ultimate responsibility for payment rests with you. Please check the terms of your coverage with your employer or insurance company each time you visit the hospital, because coverage can change.
Some procedures, equipment or Ambulance transportation are not covered by OHIP and are the responsibility of the patient. If you require an extended hospital stay (continuing care or rehabilitation patient) or are ready for discharge home or to a long term care facility, there may be additional charges not covered by OHIP that you will be required to pay.
Upon discharge from the hospital, please check-in with our Cashier (located in the Lobby next to Patient Registration). They will ensure your account is updated and necessary paperwork is signed. On-line bill payment is available on our website, www.ckha.on.ca.
Follow-up Medical Appointments
After discharge from the hospital, your doctor may require follow-up tests or procedures to monitor your health. Some services at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance require pre-schedules appointments, while others are available on a walk-in basis. Pre-scheduled appointments allow more timely, efficient delivery of patient care.
Patients can pre-schedule Hospital appointments though CKHA’s Patient Appointment Office (PAO) which is open Monday to Thursday, 7:30 am - 5:00 pm; Friday 7:30 am - 4:30 pm. PAO is closed on weekends and holidays. When scheduling an appointment with the PAO, please have your Health Card and Doctor’s order handy.
To arrange an appointment patients can:
- Telephone PAO at 519-437-6012 (or toll free at 1-877-726-2542) to schedule or cancel their appointment or
- Request physician-ordered appointments through the Internet-based Patient Appointment Request Services (PARS) at www.chatham-kent.ca/pars