Prepare for Admissions

The following questions and answers are designed to help you prepare for admission at Methodist Richardson Medical Center.  If you have a specific question that is not listed below, we will do our best to help you find an answer.  Please call our switchboard at (972) 498-4000 or e-mail the webmaster.  You may also view our Department List for more phone numbers.

When is the admitting department open?
The main admitting department is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. After-hours admission takes place through the hospital emergency room, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Why am I required to sign a consent form?
The consent for treatment gives us your permission to provide you with medical services.

Why do I need to show my drivers license and insurance card?
We require proper identification, such as your state driver’s license, to ensure you receive the treatment your doctor ordered. Each visit to Methodist Richardson is a different occurrence, so please bring identification each time. We ask for your insurance card to make sure your records are up-to-date so that the insurance company can process your claim quickly.

What is a Release of Information?
HIPAA regulations state that covered entities must provide patients with a notice of their privacy practices. The regulations further states that healthcare providers must make a good faith effort to obtain written acknowledgement from patients of their receipt of this notice.

What are the hospital’s visiting hours?
Visiting hours are daily from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Can I eat and drink before my admission?
Your complete medical care is supervised by your physician. He/She determines what food you can eat or drink before your admission and your procedure.  Please contact your physician to verify if, and what, you can eat and drink.

What do I need to bring?
You should bring with you those possessions necessary to your personal comfort, including a nightgown or pajamas, a bathrobe, slippers, toothbrush, non-electric shaving equipment and other personal items you use everyday. We encourage you to leave all jewelry and valuable possessions at home, since we cannot be responsible for lost items.

Also, please bring a photo ID and all active insurance cards at the time of registration, as well as any information or paperwork given to you by your physician. Copies of advanced directives, living wills and powers of attorney that you provide will be placed in your medical record. All information obtained during your hospitalization will be held in strict confidence.

Should I bring my medications from home with me?
It is not necessary for you to bring medications from home to the hospital unless your physician instructs you to do so. In this instance, patients should have a complete list of the medications, with the dosage and frequency that they take at home. All medications will be stored and administered by the nursing staff.

Where can I park?
Patients and visitors are welcome to park in any of the designated lots on our campus. All parking at Methodist Richardson is free. Additionally, complimentary valet parking is offered Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except holidays). Valet parking is available at the entrance of Medical Plaza I and Medical Plaza II.