Skip to Content

For patients at TriStar Summit Medical Center

Hospital visits can be uncomfortable for some people. We get it, so we prepare you beforehand with information about admissions, what to bring with you, what to expect when you get here and how things work after you're discharged.

Ask-A-Nurse

We're here to answer any medical questions you have, like: Are my symptoms normal? Do I need to go to the ER or an urgent care? Is my child's fever too high? Are there new treatment options for my chronic condition? Just call our free, 24/7 help line — Ask-A-Nurse.

Patient resources

At TriStar Summit Medical Center, we want you to be informed about the care you'll receive in our hospital and what to expect before, during and after your time with us.

Before you arrive

We pave the way for a smooth admission, treatment, and discharge process so you feel confident in every step of your journey with us.

Before your hospital admission

Before you even enter the hospital, a number of preparations will be made via phone, including:

  • If you insurance plan requires pre-approval for the treatment(s) you'll receive with us, our doctor's office staff will help get approval from your insurance provider. Ask your insurance provider about costs for which you will be responsible.
  • Hospital staff will review your health history.
  • Your nursing needs, anesthesia needs (if having surgery), and other care will be planned.
  • Appointments will be made for any needed pre-operative diagnostic tests.
  • Use this time to ask any questions you may have, including payment plans available.
  • You may wish to prearrange to have a family member or friend pick you up and bring you home the day you will be discharged. If you need help with transportation, please ask us how we can help.

The night before your surgery

  • If you are having surgery, please make sure not to eat or drink anything (even water) after midnight before your surgery.
  • Your doctor may give you additional instructions.

Leave these items at home

  • Valuables such as jewelry, money, credit cards, etc. The hospital will not assume responsibility for valuables brought into the facility.
  • Electrical appliances. (If you have a specific need, please talk with your nurse.)
  • You may bring your glasses, dentures, hearing aids, etc., but the hospital cannot be responsible for breakage or loss of items kept in your room.

While you're here

Your doctor arranges for your admission, decides what tests and procedures you receive, prescribes your medications and diet in the hospital, and decides when you are ready to be discharged. It is important that you understand your healthcare, so we encourage you to have discussions with your doctor while you are here.

Outpatient testing

Make sure your doctor has called the hospital to order the procedure. Or, if the doctor gives the order to you, be sure to bring it with you when you report for testing.

Advance directives

If you have a Living Will, bring a copy when you report to Admitting. If you want to have one in your medical file, the Admitting Office has forms available.

Insurance information

Please bring your insurance card when you are admitted. We make a copy of it so we can bill your insurer directly for your covered benefits. Be prepared to pay your copayments and deductibles, but do not bring large amounts of cash with you.

It is important that you understand what your insurance covers and where you can go for care. Many insurance plans require pre-certification before admission. To avoid reduced benefits, call your insurance company to verify your coverage and make sure your authorizations are in order.

If you have questions concerning your insurance, payment arrangements, etc., you may contact our Financial Counseling Office at (615) 316-3416.

During your stay

We are committed to providing the very best care during your stay.

  • Your doctor will visit you as much as needed based on your condition and recovery.
  • Our nurses will make sure you receive the care your doctor orders.
  • If you have concerns about the care you receive or actions of our staff, please contact the unit manager or director.
  • If you are at risk for falling, please be sure to follow instructions to keep you safe.
  • Each person who cares for you will wear an identification badge.
  • We are committed to maintaining your privacy and confidentiality.

Room, TV and telephone

There is no additional charge for your private patient room, TV and local phone calls. You must call collect or charge long distance calls to your home number or credit card. Sorry, we cannot add them to your hospital bill.

Going home

Our Case Management team assists with arrangements for your discharge from the hospital, including:

  • Any necessary home assistance from a visiting nurse.
  • Medical equipment or supplies.
  • Short-term nursing facility placement, if necessary.

Need a physician referral?

TriStar MedLine can help. We are available by phone Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 7:00pm CST.

More resources for our patients

We offer a wide range of resources to ensure you get all the information you need to understand and be comfortable with your care.

Patient financial resources

Medical expenses affect everyone differently, and we want you to be able to understand all your options relating to your care. We offer information about our accepted insurance plans as well as our Patient Payment Estimator, which helps you determine the cost amount for an upcoming service.

Learn more about our patient financial resources 

Surgical resources

Whether you are having surgery yourself or a loved one is having surgery, we are here to help make the process as streamlined as possible. Most procedures are eligible for registration, and on the day of surgery, you may also register for surgery text messaging, a service which informs you of your loved one’s progress.

Learn more about online registration 

Concierge medicine

At all TriStar Health hospitals, we make sure interactions between patients and physicians have a unique personal touch by offering concierge medicine. It allows patients to call, text or email their healthcare provider to both ask questions and schedule appointments. Unlimited access to personalized healthcare is available at your fingertips for an annual fee.

TriStar Health Ask-A-Nurse

Healthcare concerns can arise at any time. Day or night, we want to be there for you, so our Ask-A-Nurse service allows our expert nurses to be available 24/7 to advise on topics ranging from cardiac care to children’s health to orthopedics and men’s and women’s issues. While they can not officially diagnose conditions, they can provide you peace of mind through informative answers to your questions.

Learn more about Ask-A-Nurse 

MyHealthONE allows you to manage all parts of your healthcare easily and securely

  • View health records — lab results, physician notes, imaging reports and more
  • View your post-visit summary
  • Schedule a follow-up appointment
  • Share your health records with a physician or caregiver
  • And more
Create an account 

Download the MyHealthONE app on the or