Admission Information

From around the world, people come to Apollo Hospitals Colombo trusting that they will receive the best, most comprehensive care available anywhere.
     
Once the doctor has informed you that you need to be admitted to hospital, please visit the admission desk in the main hospital reception area. A representative will be happy to schedule your appointment with you at the hospital. Routine admissions are made at our Admissions Desk near the Main Reception and for your convenience our admissions desk is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 8 AM to 4 PM on Sundays. Admissions out of normal hours can be handled through the Emergency Reception.
     
Our inpatient admission desk is located in the main reception. Upon arrival, a representative will explain our wide range of cost-effective health care services and our payment terms for admittance, as well as confirm the arrangements for your health care needs at Apollo Hospitals Colombo. Once this is complete, our friendly staff will direct you to the relevant ward.
     
Pre-Admission Procedures
     
Your doctor will give you an admission slip called the 'request for admission' form. Please take this form with your unique hospital number, identity documents and any medical insurance cover with you.
 
It is compulsory for any patient to be registered with our hospital prior to admission. The registration desk is situated opposite admissions and the registration desk staff will be able to assist you with our process. Please allow an extra 15 minutes to register with us if you have not done, so before.
     
The main reception staff will assist you at all other times.
     
Private Patients
 
All private patients are required to make a payment in advance on admission based on the estimated cost of the hospitalisation given by the surgeon. The outstanding balance has to be settled on discharge for extra medication and additional food and drinks, laundry etc. Patients undergoing procedures where a “fixed fee” has been quoted, this fee is payable on admission.
     
Pre-hospital authorisation or health insurance cover patients
     
Some health insurance schemes may require a levy or co-payment from their members for specific procedures. Please verify this information when obtaining the pre-hospital authorisation number. The financial information desk will support you with the hospital administrative requirements prior to your admission, which will ensure a hassle free admission. The Apollo Hospitals Colombo staff will provide you with important financial information as well as information about your stay. For patients not being covered by health insurance cover, information regarding the estimate cost of hospitalisation and payment options will be provided. Your co-operation in terms of obtaining your medical pre-hospital authorisation and clarifying co-payment terms will ensure a quicker and more efficient admission process. This is particularly important if you are scheduled for a procedure in theatre shortly after admission.
     
What you should bring :
     
You are advised to bring the following important items when you are admitted to hospital:
* Your hospital Registration Number
* If you have health care cover please bring your insurance policy number / documents.
* Your Apollo Hospitals Colombo folder with all X-rays and/or blood test results relating to your condition.
* Proof of your identity (the patient) passport and identity cards. A Sri Lankan identity document/card. For foreign nationals a passport or driver's license is acceptable. For patients be under the age of 18, he/she must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who will be required to give written consent for administration of anaesthetic as well as to accept liability for the account.
* Personal items (toiletries, books, etc.)
     
Please note that Apollo will not assume responsibility for any losses that may occur; therefore, we strongly advise patients to leave valuables, such as jewellery, large amounts of money, and credit cards at home. Should you find an item missing, kindly report it to the Floor Manager or Ward Secretary upon discovery of its loss.
     
* Toiletries, should you be staying overnight
* Any medication which you take on a regular basis should be handed over to the nurse to give to you with additional medication during your stay.
Sleep wear, slippers/shoes should you be hospitalised for a couple of days
Comfortable clothing and reading material
* Should the patient be an infant or a young child, the following items are recommended: A favourite toy or blanket; and Nappies and special toiletries for babies and toddlers, if required.
* Please note that all make-up and nail polish have to be removed prior to anaesthesia.
     
What not to bring with you if possible
     
Valuables
We strongly advise patients to leave their valuables such as jewellery, or large amounts of money, credit cards and contact lenses at home; or ask your loved one to take it home. Our hospitals have safety deposit boxes available at reception. You may request that a representative of the Security Department collects your valuables for safe-keeping. Only keep small amounts of cash at your bedside and be careful to keep your mobile with you or near you at all times.
Visitor Items
Visitors are advised to be vigilant at all times, leaving valuables unattended is at ones own risk.
Cellular phones
* Please be advised that mobile phones are easy targets for thefts to pick up if left unattended.
* You are also requested to be considerate towards other patients in the ward, as it could be disruptive to the ambiance for recovery, creating unnecessary noise.
* Importantly please also note that mobile phones can interfere with certain electronic equipment used in the wards, intensive care units and operating theatres or any other specialist procedure facilities. Please turn off when your mobile when possible.
     
Admission
On the day of admission, report to the reception desk at the time recommended by your doctor. The hospital administration personnel are committed to provide an efficient service at all times and will assist you with the necessary regulatory documentation.
     
Information for patients admitted for same day procedures:
     
Please take note of the following information to ensure a speedy and efficient admission to the hospital:

* Please ensure that you arrive at the hospital at the time suggested by your doctor.
* Your doctor will provide guidelines for fasting (not eating or drinking even water) prior to surgery. Failure to comply with the fasting requirements can result in the delay or even cancellation of your surgery.
* Should you be taking medication routinely (e.g. for epilepsy, hypertension or diabetes), please confirm with your surgeon whether or not you should take the medication on the day of surgery.
* If you take blood thinners (such as Warfarin or Plavix), please ask your surgeon how many days before the scheduled surgery you should stop taking this medication or adjust the dosage.

Please note that after undergoing general anaesthesia you are strongly advised not to drive a motor vehicle for at least 24 hours. You should arrange for someone to collect you from the hospital following surgery or ask reception to organize a taxi for you.
     
Discharge
     
Your doctor will advise you of your discharge to the hospital. Before leaving ensure that you attend to the following:
     
* Complete all documentation requirements of the ward - a discharge summary will be provided to you.
* Ensure that all the necessary documents are signed at the ward reception
* Settle any outstanding payments required by your Health care cover scheme, as well as private room fees and private patients’ accounts (such as telephone calls, extra food and drinks, laundry, etc)
* Discharge medication kit is given to you by the nurse, should the Doctor require you to continue taking medication at home. The nurse will clearly explain all medication to you and how to take it.
* Sign the discharge book to release you from the ward in the ward reception
* Be prepared to wait 1 to 3 hours to be discharged.