FAQs    

Patient Information

Q. What information do I need to bring with me to the Hospital?

A. Patients should bring the following information when registering:

• Insurance Card
• Medicare/Medicaid card
• Referral forms from your physician (if required by your insurance carrier)
• Referral/Order Guidelines
• Worker’s compensation information (if applicable)
• Driver’s license
• Co-pay or deductible
• Pre-admission form (if not previously submitted)
• Advance Directive

Q. If I need medical attention but cannot afford to pay for it, what can I do?

A. No one is turned away from SRMC needing emergent/emergency care because of inability to pay. We direct patients to the Financial Counselors located in the Patient Financial Department who will work with you to develop a payment plan, help you apply for Medical Assistance or, if you qualify, arrange for free care.

Q. How do I request a copy of my medical record?

A. patient may request a copy of his/her medical record by a written request. The written request must contain the following information: Include link to request form on med recs page.

• Patient's Name
• Date of Birth
• Dates of Service If someone else is picking up the records for the patient, their name must appear on the request. Requests can be made in person or by mail. Authorization forms are available in the Health Information department.

The patient's family member (parent/legal guardian) may request copies of medical records if a patient is a minor or incapacitated. Parent/Guardian must have the written permission of the patient to release copies of the record, or have the patient's power of attorney. The name of the family member must be documented on the request.

If the patient is deceased and if there is no one with the power of attorney or no one has been appointed executor of the estate, family members need to contact the Register of Wills in the county they live to open an estate for the purpose of obtaining medical records.

Is there a charge for copies of my medical record?

There is no charge for copies that are sent directly to a physician for continuation of care or for personal use.

Q. Where should my request be directed?

A. All requests for medical information are to be made to the Medical Records Department.

Q. Hours of operation:

A. Monday - Friday: 8am - 4pm.

Phone: 308.254.8728

Requests by mail should be directed to the SRMC Medical Records Department, 1000 Pole Creek Crossing, Sidney NE 69162

Health Information Management staff are available to answer any questions patients or patient family members may have.

Q. How long will it take to obtain copies of my medical records?

It takes 5-10 working business days to process the request. If the patient has just been discharged from the hospital the request will be processed once the chart is complete. This may take 30 days if requesting a complete copy.

Protecting your confidential medical information

As a patient of SRMC, you have a right to confidentiality. We strive to continuously ensure that your personal health information is kept private. Here are some ways SRMC is maintaining the confidentiality of our patient's information:

• Medical records are secured on the nursing floors and in the Health Information department. Only members of your health care team are permitted access to your information.
• Paper information with personal information is shredded before disposal.
• Access to computers with patient information is password protected.
• Computer screens are angled so only the person with a need for access sees Patient information.
• Computer screens are programmed to go "blank" after a certain time if not in use.

Q. Do you accept my insurance?

A. We are contracted with most of the major payers in this area. However, some payers require different services be performed at their own facilities, or contracted vendors. We strongly urge you to contact your insurance carrier (HMO, PPO, MCO, etc) to verify they will cover the services you need to have.

Q. When will I receive a copy of my bill?

A. You will receive a summary of your charges within 30 days of your discharge.

This summary will also give you additional information, such as what insurance we are billing, and what other providers may be billing you. If you require an itemized billing, please call 308.254.5825 and we will be more than happy to supply you with a listing of itemized charges.

Q. Are there people who can help me understand some of the charges on my bill?

A. We have a team of account specialists who are willing to help and assist you with your questions regarding insurance billing, and payment plans. Call 308.254.5825, Monday - Friday, from 8am - 4:30pm.

Q. Who should I call if I believe that the charges on my bill are incorrect? 

A. If you have any concerns regarding your bill, please call 308.254.5825 we would be delighted to answer any questions you might have about your bill.

Visitor FAQs

Q. What can I bring to a patient?

A. Always ask your loved ones’ nurse before bringing foreign materials such as service animals, food, flowers and even balloons.

Q. What are visiting hours at the hospital?

A. Visiting hours are daily beginning at 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Inquire with your loved ones’ nurse if you require visitation outside these times.

Q. How do I contact a patient?

A. If the patient is listed in the hospital directory contact them through the hospital at 308.254.5825.

Q. Is there public transportation to your hospital?

A. The Sidney Stage Line and Dial-A-Ride is available for those needing transportation within the city limits of Sidney. Medical transport is also available.

Q. If permitted, where on hospital property can guests smoke?

A. SRMC is a tobacco-free campus and smoking is not permitted on the hospital property under any circumstance. Patches and gum are available, ask your nurse for more information. 

Q. Can I donate to a patient’s bill?

A. Contact the Patient Financial Services at 308.254.5825.

Q. Can I donate directly to the hospital?

A. Yes, click our Donate to make a charitable donation to the Health Center Foundation.

Q. What amenities are available during my visit?

A. Vending machines are located in the SRMC Café and the emergency waiting area. There is also a gift shop in the main lobby open Monday - Friday 7am - 3pm.