The Admitting staff at Mercer County Hospital responds promptly to patients' needs when being admitted to the hospital or registering for any outpatient services.

The Admitting staff will ask you several questions concerning yourself and your insurance coverage. They also will assist you with the necessary financial arrangements needed for payment of your hospital bill.

Patient Information

What do I need to bring when I register as a patient?
When you check in to Mercer County Hospital please bring your insurance card and your doctor's orders. It is also very important that you bring information about an emergency contact person including their name, address and telephone number(s). If you don't want to wait on the day of your surgery, you can come a few days ahead to register.

If you have a Living Will or a Durable Power of Attorney, you should share it with your family and bring a copy with you. These documents can help to ensure that your wishes regarding the use of certain treatments will be followed even if you are unable to communicate or make decisions due to illness, disease or accident. For more information about these types of Advance Directives, talk with your attorney or call the Social Services Department at 309-582-3717.

Also bring dentures, eyeglasses, a robe, non-skid slippers, and a list of medications that you are currently taking with the dose and frequency.

What should I NOT bring when I come to register as a patient?
Do not bring any medications (unless instructed by your doctor), jewelry, credit cards, purse or wallet, personal televisions, electric radios or hair dryers. If you should happen to bring any valuables with you, MCH has a secure place where they can be stored during your stay.

What if I forget my insurance card or do not have insurance?
If you forget your insurance card, you will be asked to send in a copy of the front and back of the card plus a copy of your photo ID. An pre-addressed envelope will be provided.

If you do not have health insurance, you should contact our business office at 309-582-3706. You may be required to make a deposit and arrange a payment plan. The hospital honors Visa and Mastercard.

How do I arrange my pre-admission testing?
Pre-admission testing orders will be received by your doctor and entered into the hospital's computer system where they will be accessed when you arrive for registration.

Will I be charged for telephone calls made from my room?
You will not be charged for local phone calls, but to make phone calls outside the local area, you must call collect or bill it to your home phone or other third party phone upon approval.

Are pastoral services available?
Patients of all faiths and their families are welcome to invite their clergy to visit the hospital. MCH also has a chapel that is accessible 24 hrs a day.

How will I receive my mail and/or flowers?
They will be delivered directly to your room by hospital staff. Letters and packages arriving after you leave the hospital will promptly be forwarded to your home.

Can someone assist with after-care planning?
Our Social services department will help patients and families with concerns or questions about hospitalization and the immediate or long-term changes it may present. They can answer your questions about community resources, advocacy services, home health care, hospice care, homemakers, nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities.

Mercer County Hospital's Commitment to Pain Management
As a patient, you have the right to pain control, and you are assured of the following:

• Your report of pain will be believed.
• Your pain prevention and treatment is a high priority; we consider it the vital sign, along with temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiration.
• Although not all pain can be completely relieved, you will receive the most effective intervention that we can safely provide.