Phase 1: Foundation
What to bring to the hospital
If you're getting ready for a hospital stay, a little preparation can make things easier once you arrive. Let's go over a few things you may want to bring with you — and a few things that are better left at home.
Bring These
- Photo ID and insurance cards: Bring your identification and insurance information. The hospital may need these when you check in.
- Your current medication list: Bring an up-to-date list of your medications, including the name, dose, and how often you take each one. You can also include your pharmacy information.
- Important phone numbers: Have contact information for your primary doctor, specialists, pharmacy, and a family member or friend you would like involved in your care.
- Comfortable clothing: Bring loose, comfortable clothing for your stay or for going home. Non-skid socks or shoes with good grip may also be helpful.
- Personal hygiene items: Consider bringing your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm, comb or brush, and other personal items you normally use.
- Glasses, hearing aids, and other assistive devices: Bring the items you need to see, hear, or communicate comfortably. If you use hearing aids, bring extra batteries if possible. Keep dentures or other removable devices in a labeled case.
- Your phone and charger: A phone can help you stay connected with family and your healthcare team. A longer charging cord may be helpful, but check with hospital staff before using extension cords or other electrical equipment.
- A notebook and pen: Use them to write down questions, important information, or the names of members of your healthcare team.
- Important healthcare documents: If you have an advance directive, living will, or medical power of attorney, bring a copy if it is relevant to your care.
- A few comfort items: A family photo, small blanket, earplugs, or sleep mask may help you feel more comfortable. Try to keep personal items to a minimum.
Leave These at Home
- Valuable items: Leave jewelry, expensive watches, large amounts of cash, and other valuables at home whenever possible.
- Unnecessary original documents: Bring copies of important documents when possible and keep the originals safely at home unless the hospital specifically asks for them.
- Strongly scented products: Perfumes and heavily scented products may bother other patients or staff.
- Electrical appliances: Items such as hair dryers, heaters, or coffee makers may not be permitted. Check with your hospital before bringing electrical appliances.
- Anything you would be upset to lose: Hospitals can be busy places. If you don't need it, consider leaving it at home.
- Alcohol, recreational drugs, or weapons: These items are not appropriate to bring into the hospital and may interfere with your care or hospital safety policies.
- Large amounts of food or drinks: Your healthcare team may place you on a special diet or ask you not to eat or drink before certain tests or procedures.
Create a Hospital Go-Bag
If you have a planned hospital visit, consider putting together a small hospital go-bag ahead of time. That way, you're not trying to remember everything at the last minute.
Keep your bag somewhere easy to find and include:
- ID and insurance information
- Current medication list
- Important phone numbers
- Phone and charger
- Comfortable clothing
- Personal hygiene items
- Glasses, hearing aids, or other assistive devices
- A few small comfort items
- Notebook and pen
Every few months, take a quick look through your bag and update anything that has changed — especially your medication list and contact information.
Day-of reminder
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that are easy to take off and put back on.
- Leave jewelry, large wallets, and anything valuable at home.
- Bring your current medications in their original bottles, unless you were told not to.
- Arrive a little early so you are not rushed.
- Make sure you have a ride home if your procedure requires sedation or anesthesia.
Special notes
- Ask your hospital if they provide toiletries, slippers, gowns, or a toothbrush.
- Label personal items with your name, especially glasses, hearing aids, and phone chargers.
- Bring only enough cash for small items like parking or snacks.
- If you use a CPAP or other home medical equipment, ask whether you should bring it.