Your Go-Bag Checklist. What to Bring to the Hospital.

Jarrod was hospitalized 11 times during his last year of life. I took Jarrod to the Emergency Department (ED) so often that I had a “go bag.” I had everything he needed. So, this is what you need to bring:

• Insurance card
• ID
• List of medications (Name, dosage, how often you take them, when you started them, and who prescribed them)
• Cell phone charger
• Wet Wipes to wipe everything down
• Advanced Directive (a brief legal document explaining your healthcare wishes if you aren’t able to speak for yourself), if you have one
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Retainer, if you have one
• Deodorant
• Comb/Hairbrush
• Glasses, contact lenses, or both
• Your favorite pillow with a pillowcase you are willing to throw away
• A couple of pairs of underwear

If it is a planned trip to the hospital, I recommend that you read the book, Surviving the Hospital: Six Secrets Every Patient Should Know by Val Barschaw. If it’s not a planned hospitalization, this list can be a life-saver.

I teach new patients and first-time caregivers tools, just like this checklist, to navigate the healthcare system. The healthcare system is not easy to navigate. It can easily feel confusing, overwhelming, and frustrating.

I help new patients and first-time caregivers learn to:

• Understand the confusing and overwhelming insurance and medical documents to catch errors, so they never overpay a medical bill
• Make the most of that 15-minute appointment with their provider
• Speak with the insurance company with confidence to correct errors or appeal a denial

You don’t have to do this alone. I’m currently offering one-on-one guidance for only 3 more people. You can set up a free 15-minute consult with me. There’s no pressure. It’s just a conversation to see if it’s a good fit.

Here’s what happens during a consult:

• I’ll find out where you are in your healthcare journey.
• I’ll ask you some questions.
• I’ll answer your questions.
• I’ll decide if it’s a good fit.
• I’ll give you clear next steps.

I encourage you to schedule your free 15-minute consult. Just for meeting with me, I’ll give you my free guide: 10 Questions To Ask Before Paying Any Medical Bill.

Coming in 2 Weeks: Medicaid, Medicare, Marketplace: Which One Is Actually Yours?