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Prepare for Your Hospital Stay

Count on the doctors, nurses and other professionals at Cone Health to provide high-quality hospital care with skill, compassion and respect. You can help make your hospital stay go as smoothly as possible by learning about your care team and following certain guidelines.

Your Cone Health Care Team

As a patient, you are the center of your Cone Health care team. Pay attention to the care you’re receiving and speak up if you have questions or concerns. Learn more about your patient rights and responsibilities. Your hospital care team may include:

  • Attending physician – Holds responsibility for your medical care; your doctor may be your primary care provider, a specialist, or a hospitalist
  • Nurses – Work with your doctor to plan and coordinate your care
  • Rehabilitation therapists – Assess and help you improve your motor skills, ability to perform daily activities, and/or swallowing, speech or communication skills
  • Pharmacists – Help make sure your medication treatments are safe, effective and as economical as possible
  • Dietitians – Assist with your nutritional needs
  • Care managers and clinical social workers – Connect you with community resources, including care after your discharge
  • Interfaith chaplains – Provide emotional and spiritual support

What to Bring to the Hospital

Hospital Room

Please bring the following items with you on the day of your test or procedure:

  • Insurance cards and photo identification
  • Co-payment
  • Any lab or imaging test results and paperwork from your physician
  • A complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter drugs
  • Any advance directives
  • If you’ll be staying overnight, you may wish to bring pajamas, slippers, toiletries and physical or mobility aids, such as eyeglasses, hearing aids and canes. Please label your personal items.
  • If you are preparing to give birth at the Women's & Children's Center at Moses Cone or Alamance Regional, please review our "What to Pack" checklist.

If you’re under 18, you must bring a parent or guardian to sign consent forms.

What Not to Bring to the Hospital

Leave all jewelry, valuables and unnecessary personal possessions at home. All tobacco products and weapons are prohibited on hospital property.

Getting Ready to Go Home

Ask a friend or family member to drive you home from the hospital and stay with you or check on you at your home for a few days. If you’re unable to make arrangements for transportation, or you’re unsure you’ll get the care you need at home, talk with your nurse.

Discharge Instructions

Before you leave, your nurse will give you discharge instructions. Make sure you understand:

  • Your condition
  • What to expect during your recovery
  • How to care for yourself after you return home
  • Medications you need to take, when and how to take them safely, and what to do if you experience any side effects
  • What follow-up care you need

Call Us With Questions

If, after you return home, you have additional questions about your care, call the nurse’s station at the Cone Health hospital where you were treated.