Hospital pre-registration for delivery is an administrative procedure completed by expectant parents before the onset of labor. This process involves submitting required patient and financial information to the hospital’s admissions department in advance. The primary purpose of pre-registering is to streamline the check-in process on the day of delivery, ensuring a swift and efficient admission. Having the necessary data on file beforehand prevents the need for gathering personal details and signatures while the patient is actively experiencing labor.
Why and When to Pre-Register
Completing the administrative process early offers significant benefits, most notably by removing the burden of paperwork during a physically demanding time. When a patient arrives at the hospital in active labor, the goal is to move directly to a labor and delivery room with minimal delay. Pre-registration allows the hospital to quickly verify the patient’s identity and medical record, bypassing the standard intake desk procedures.
Another function of early registration is the pre-authorization and verification of insurance benefits. The hospital’s financial team uses the submitted information to confirm coverage, clarify potential issues, and secure necessary pre-authorizations before the date of service. Many hospitals recommend completing this process during the second trimester, typically between the 20th and 30th week of pregnancy. This timeline provides opportunity for the hospital to process the information and address any discrepancies in advance of the estimated delivery date.
Documentation and Information Needed
Gathering all required documentation should be completed before initiating the registration process. The hospital requires clear copies of personal identification to confirm the patient’s identity, usually including a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.
Financial information is a significant part of the submission, requiring copies of the primary insurance card, and any secondary insurance cards if applicable. When providing insurance details, you must include the policy holder’s name, the group number, and the specific member identification number. The hospital uses this data to confirm benefit eligibility and coverage details for the upcoming stay.
Beyond personal and financial details, the registration form requires medical and contact information to complete the patient’s profile. This information includes:
- The name and contact information for your current obstetrician or midwife attending the delivery.
- The name of the pediatrician selected to care for the newborn during the hospital stay.
- A list of emergency contacts, including their relationship to you and their phone numbers.
Registration Methods and Confirmation Process
Most medical facilities offer several methods for submitting the required pre-registration information. Many hospitals utilize secure patient portals, such as MyChart, allowing the expectant parent to enter all data online from a computer or mobile application. This digital method is often the quickest and most efficient way to submit the forms.
Some patients prefer to complete a physical registration packet, which can be obtained from the obstetrician’s office or the hospital’s admissions department. These paper forms can be submitted in person, sometimes during a scheduled hospital tour, or mailed directly back to the pre-admissions team.
After submitting the information, the hospital initiates a confirmation phase to finalize the registration. The pre-admissions team contacts the patient, often via phone or email, to verify the accuracy of the submitted data and address any missing elements. This follow-up is necessary, as registration is not considered complete until the hospital has formally confirmed receipt and validation of all documents.
This discussion includes providing an estimate of the patient’s anticipated out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance amounts. Understanding these estimated costs allows the patient to make payment arrangements or prepare for these expenses before arrival. If any information is found to be incorrect or incomplete, the hospital will work with the patient to correct it, ensuring a smooth admission process when labor begins.