Preparing for Your Stay in the Hospital
During your stay at University of Utah Hospital, our staff of physicians and health care professionals will make your visit as comfortable as possible while providing you the latest care and treatment in health care technology.
Below we will walk you through the process of becoming an inpatient (a patient who stays overnight in the hospital).
What to Bring Before You Check-In at the Hospital
Consider Bringing These
- Long distance telephone calling card
- Battery operated shaver/razor
- Toothbrush, deodorant, shampoo, hairbrush, toothpaste, lotion (Ivory or Castile soap and Crest toothpaste is available in your room)
- Robe and slippers, pajamas, sleepwear or leisurewear (hospital pajamas are available)
Leave These at Home
- Valuables (including your wedding ring)
- Electrical appliances (such as a curling iron or hairdryer)
- Food (check individual department for requirements)
Checking in (Admitting)
Parking
Free valet parking
Hours: Monday–Friday, 6am to 6pm
Retrievals until 7:30pm
Closed on major holidays
Free parking is also available for patients and visitors in the parking terrace located north west of the hospital's main entrance. As you approach the hospital, follow the signs to the free parking.
Phone: 801-587-8230
Admitting
When you arrive, please check-in with the admitting office, located in the main lobby at the check-in desk. You may need to bring the following information with you:
- Insurance card
- Credit card or check book/co-payment
- Physician's name
- Driver’s license or identification, such as your social security card that provides your full legal name
- Advance directives
- Prior approval or preauthorization form
- List of all current medications
- Test results from other hospitals
Questions about co-pay or information you need to bring? Call the Admitting Office: 801-581-2721.
Once You're Admitted to the Hospital
Care Team
In addition to providing patient care, University of Utah Hospital is a teaching hospital. We provide leading-edge technology and practices in an environment where the nurses and physicians of tomorrow train together to give you the best health care. During your stay, you will be cared for by a team that will include an attending physician and may include a fellow, resident, intern, medical students, and nursing staff.
If you have any questions or are unsure of the level of training of your care provider, please ask them to identify themselves and explain their role on your care team.
Attending Physician. The attending physician is an experienced, board-qualified/certified physician leading the medical team caring for you. He/she oversees your medical care and instructs the residents, interns, and medical students about your illness and how to properly care for you.
Fellow. A fellow is an experienced physician who has completed his or her residency training and is pursuing additional sub-specialty training. The fellow works under the supervision of the attending.
Resident. A resident is a physician receiving training in a specialty area. The resident works under the supervision of the attending.
Intern. An intern is a physician in their first year of training after medical school who, like the resident, works under the direction of the attending physician.
Medical Student. A medical student works with the team in a learning capacity and does not make treatment decisions for patients. However, like other members of the care team, a medical student is a useful source of information to the patient and physician team.
Consultant. Consultants are attending physicians from different medical specialties who are asked to assist in providing specialized medical care to patients.
Nursing Staff. Our nursing staff are highly skilled registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nurse assistants who provide you with around the clock care. Your care is also supported by a charge nurse and nurse manager.
The nursing staff wear color-coded uniforms for easy recognition.
- Registered nurses wear white scrub tops and red, blue, or black bottoms.
- Nurse assistants wear red, blue, or black scrub tops and bottoms.
Support/Ancillary. You may also be cared for by other members of the care team who have special skills to meet your needs. They include laboratory technicians, nutrition care associates, housekeeping staff, therapists, pharmacists, social workers, a chaplain, and dieticians.
Meals
Your nutrition care associate will serve your meals and note your food preferences. If you have any questions about your diet or the menu, please call 801-581-2157.
Checking Out (Discharge)
Your health care team will determine and arrange the day of your discharge. Please make arrangements for your transportation home before this day. If you are having problems arranging your departure, please make your health care team aware of the situation so they may assist with your leave.
Discharge: 11 am
We recommend that your transportation arrive by 10:30 am.
During your stay, your health care professionals will go over the care you will need upon leaving the hospital with you or your family. They will also provide you with information on the resources and services available to assist you with your continued care.