Children's Regional Hospital at Cooper

Planning Your Child's Stay

Helping Your Child Deal with a Hospital Stay
It's always best to be honest with your child about a hospital stay. Children need to know what’s going to happen next, so be prepared to explain why the hospital visit is necessary and what to expect during that time.

Talk to your child about some of the familiar things that happen during a hospital stay – watching television in bed, using the playrooms, etc. Be honest about the fact that there may be some uncomfortable moments. The most important point to communicate is that you will be there with your child whenever you can, and that the people who will care for him or her are the people who like children and will help to make them better.

If you have other children at home, you know that they are also concerned about this hospital stay. Be sure they understand what is happening and arrange for them to visit, if possible. The time you spend talking with and reassuring your family will help make the hospital stay easier for everyone.

What to Bring
When coming to the hospital, be sure to bring only essential personal items for your child such as pajamas or nightgown, robe, slippers, eyeglasses and toilet articles. Include at least one comfort item, such as a stuffed animal, doll, blanket or family photo. Because of the complex electronic equipment used in the hospital, personal electrical appliances must not be used, such as electric rollers or hair dryers. Portable cellular phones are also prohibited. Personal appliances that operate on batteries are permitted. If you are unsure about a particular appliance, please ask.

Medications
Any medications your child may require will be ordered from the hospital pharmacy by your child’s pediatrician. Therefore, you should leave at home any medications he or she is presently taking, unless otherwise specified by your child’s physician. However, be sure to bring a list of all medications that your child is now taking.

Insurance Information
Please bring all insurance information with you and check your individual policy requirements about second opinions, precertification and referrals. Each insurance carrier requests different information. Our financial counselors can assist you to help minimize the risk of reduced benefits.

Financial Assistance
If you do not have insurance coverage, please calls financial counseling at (856) 342-2360. They’ll help you arrange payment for the services you need. Free or reduced charge care programs are available to patients who receive inpatient and outpatient services. You may be eligible for financial assistance if you: 1) Meet residency requirements, 2) have no health coverage or have coverage that only pays for part of the bill, 3) are ineligible for any private or government-sponsored coverage, 4) meet both the income and assets eligibility criteria.

Financial Customer Service
Financial customer service representatives are available for anyone who has questions about their child’s hospital bill, pricing information or insurance coverage. Our representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 4:30pm. You can call them at (856) 342-2008.

To make an appointment with a Cooper University Hospital physician at an office near you, please contact one of the offices below or call 1-800-8-COOPER to speak with a member of our physician referral and information service.