Advanced Directives

As of December 1, 1991, all hospitals in New Jersey are required by law to inform you, the patient, of your rights under the patient Self-Determination Act. This act provides for advance directives, better known as living wills. This law states that we must:

Provide every patient who is admitted a summary of state law and Deborah's policy regarding advance directives.

Ask every patient who is being admitted whether or not they have advance directives.

Place a copy of any advance directives, if applicable, in the patient's chart.

Inform the doctors, nurses and other caregivers of the patient's wishes contained in the advance directive.

Offer more information about advance directives to patients who request it. (Contact the Nursing Coordinator or Supervisor.)

If You Have Health Insurance

We will need a copy of your identification card. We also need the insurance forms which are supplied by your employer for the insurance company. You will be asked to assign benefits from the insurance company directly to the hospital and the physician group that will treat you at the Center.

The Center will submit bills to your insurance company and will do everything possible to expedite your claim. But you should remember that your policy is a contract between you and your insurance company and you may be requested to assist in obtaining payment by the Patient Accounting Department.

Bills for physician services provided at the Center will be submitted to your insurance carrier as well. These services are billed under the group name, Professional Service Fund, and include all physician specialties.

Questions or inquiries regarding hospital or physician billing may be directed to the Patient Accounting Department.

Insurance Requirements

Your plan may have special requirements, such as a second surgical opinion or pre-certification for certain tests or procedures. It is your responsibility to make sure the requirements of your plan have been met. If your plan's requirements are not followed, your admission may be delayed. Patients are responsible for initiating and obtaining a referral to a specialist if required by the HMO.

A referral must be obtained from your primary care physician if you are covered by an HMO, PPO or other managed care plan.Help with any insurance requirements may be obtained by calling 609-893-1200, extension 5828.

If You Don't Have Insurance

A representative of Patient Access Services will discuss arrangements with you. You may be requested to supply specific personal financial documents. This will allow the Center to be reimbursed, in whole or in part, for the services provided to you through state funding for uncompensated care.

A sample advance directive will be provided to you at central registration

At Deborah Heart and Lung Center you will not be discriminated against based on whether or not you have an advance directive.

You have the right to accept or refuse any medical treatment during your stay.

You have the right to discuss this and all medical treatment with your doctor.