Outpatient Tests and Procedures

Outpatient Services
Your doctor has scheduled medical care (such as diagnostic testing or physical therapy) that generally does not require a hospital stay. That means that you will leave the hospital the same day you have your test or therapy.

Your doctor will schedule an appointment at St. Francis Medical Center for your test(s) with the exception of rehabilitation. You must contact the rehabilitation department to schedule your appointment. Please confirm your appointment with your doctor’s office. If it is an emergency, your doctor will call St. Francis and advise the staff accordingly.

If you are having tests, they may include blood tests, x-rays or very sophisticated tests to measure your heart rate.

Outpatient Testing and Procedures
Radiology/Diagnostic Imaging
St. Francis Medical Center Radiology Services offers a wide range of advanced testing including: MRI, CT scans, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, mammography and x-ray.

Our technology staff is fully certified and eager to assist you.

Detailed information regarding your test will be provided by Radiology Services.

Rehabilitation (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy)
Your doctor may order special therapy to help you as you recover from surgery, an injury, or an illness that has caused physical impairment.

Your therapist is a caring professional, and will provide details about your therapy as you work together toward recovery.

At St. Francis Medical Center, the following services are provided by licensed therapists: Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Audiology.

Preparing for Your Outpatient Test or Therapy
Before Your Outpatient Test or Therapy
Your doctor or health care provider will discuss the risks and benefits of your test or therapy treatment plan with you before your scheduled appointment at the medical center. If you have any questions, this is a good time to ask.

Getting Ready for Your Outpatient Test or Therapy
A little preparation before your appointment at the medical center can make your test or therapy go more smoothly:

• Follow your doctor or health care provider’s instructions.
• You may need to arrange for someone to drive you to the hospital and pick you up. After your test or therapy, you may not feel up to driving and some medications might make you groggy.
• Ask your doctor or nurse about any other special instructions.

The Day of Your Outpatient Test or Therapy
Before you leave home, be sure to:

• Wear loose and comfortable clothing.
• Leave all of your valuables, such as jewelry, watches, cash, and credit cards at home.
• For some diagnostic tests you may not wear any metal at all, and that includes fine jewelry (such as earrings and wedding rings), belts or other metal accessories. It is best to leave anything of value at home.

Bring with you:

• A copy of your Advance HealthCare Directive, if you have one. It is your right to accept or refuse medical care. Advance HealthCare Directives can protect this right if you ever become mentally or physically unable to choose or communicate your wishes due to an injury or illness. If you have a question about the Advance HealthCare Directive, or you would like more information and a copy of an Advance HealthCare Directive, please contact Spiritual Health Services, Social Services or the Patient Advocate.
• A copy of your doctor’s orders for testing or treatment. The Registration Department will need this when you arrive.
• Insurance cards and forms.
• Formal ID, such as your California ID Card, California Driver’s License or a student ID card, provided by your school or college.
• A parent or legal guardian, if you are under age 18. Proof of legal guardianship is required. Please provide your guardianship document at the time of your registration.
• Your regular medication/s, in the original container(s).
• A case or box with your name on it for personal items that you may need to remove, such as dentures or glasses.

Where to Go

Parking & Arrival
You may park on campus at St. Francis Medical Center. The parking structure is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Parking rates are $.75 for each 20 minutes, and $3.75 all day.

Your driver may drop you off at the medical center’s entrance, in front of the Health Services Pavilion (Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. parking entrance). The information clerk at the information desk will direct you to the Registration Department.

Your Friends and Family May Wait for You

If you have family and friends who will be waiting for you while you are having your test or therapy. They may use the waiting areas outside of the Registration Department. They may also enjoy strolling the beautiful grounds and gardens at St. Francis Medical Center, or have a meal or snack in the Cafeteria (open from 6 a.m.- 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily).

Registration
Although you are not scheduled to stay at the hospital after your test or therapy, you must register at the Registration Department. When you arrive at the Registration Department:

• The registration staff will ask for a copy of your doctor’s orders, your insurance card and forms, and your ID.
• You will fill out registration and insurance forms. If you are a minor, your parent or guardian will do this for you.
• You will be directed to the laboratory, radiology department, rehabilitation center or other treatment area.
• Personal belongings should be left at home.

After Your Test
After your test or therapy, your doctor, nurse or other health care provider will give you instructions. Often, a specialist must review your test results, so you may not have an answer to all of your questions right away. You should always feel free to discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Other Telephone Numbers to Remember
Emergency…..911
My Doctor or Health Care Provider_____________
Other_____________

Before Test/Therapy Check List
Review these steps before your test or therapy:

• My test/therapy is scheduled for (date/time)
• I should arrive at the medical center at
• Bring insurance cards, forms, doctor’s orders and ID.
• Find someone to drive me home from the medical center, if necessary.
• Leave all valuables at home.
• Other

Write Down Your Questions

If you have questions, feel comfortable to ask the staff. You might find it helpful to write your questions below in advance to help you remember when the time comes.

Be sure to ask your doctor:

• When and where will I return for my follow-up visit?
• Whom do I call to schedule an appointment?