Patients & Visitors

Smiling care team member listening to child's heartbeat using a stethascope.

Thank you for choosing MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Northeast for your healthcare needs.

The physicians of MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Northeast want you to have the information you need to make the most of your visit.

Please remember that all patients are responsible for co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance and charges for services rendered at the time of the appointment. The practices of MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Northeast accept cash, check, and credit cards. It is recommended that you call your insurer in advance of your appointment to see if your procedure and provider are covered by your insurance plan.

If you have additional questions about the finances involved in your visit, call 803-865-4700 to speak to our billing department.

In addition, please take a few moments to review the notes below in effort to help us run our practices as smoothly as possible for the benefit of all our patients.

Appointment Notes

Patients without insurance cards are considered Self Pay and will be responsible for paying for their services.
If you are more than 15 minutes late to your appointment, you may be asked to reschedule.
If it is your first visit, please provide previous medical records and be prepared to fill-out New Patient Information forms in advance of your appointment.

A Patient- and Family-Centered Approach

The MUSC Medical Center supports a patient-and family-centered approach to care. Family members are not considered visitors to a loved one who is hospitalized. They are key participants in support, decision-making, and care. We do not have visiting hour restrictions and two people are always welcome at the bedside 24 hours a day.

How We Care For You

While you are in our hospital, your safety and wellness are our utmost concerns. Here are three practices we will be doing while you are here to make sure you get well and stay safe. We want you to be familiar with them.

1. Clinical Hourly Rounding

For your safety, our nurses, and Patient Care Techs check on you every hour during the day from 6:00 in the morning until 10:00 at night, and then every two hours from midnight until 6:00 in the morning. Nurse and Patient Care Tech you to see how you are doing, assess your safety, check on your pain level, make sure you have everything you need within reach, and to see if you need anything else, like water or a bathroom break.

2. Shift Change Participation

Our nurses work shifts, usually 12-hour hour shifts. As it’s time for the nurse who has been caring for you to end their shift, they will bring your new nurse in to your room and the two of them will discuss with you (and your family, if you want), at your bedside, how your care has been going. For your safety, they may ask you questions about how you are feeling, if you need anything, or if they have missed anything as they discuss your care and treatment plan. Our nurses may wake you if you are asleep; if you do not want to be awaken for your bedside shift report, let us know. If you do not understand anything they are saying, please ask! The nursing team will also assess your safety, update your white board, and let you know what to expect for the next shift.

3. Nurse Leader

Rounding During your stay a nurse leader will check with you on your care and comfort. The Nurse Leader may ask you about your experience in the hospital, how your care team has been treating you, are your meals timely and warm, and see if everything in your room is working and clean. We value your feedback as we are always looking for ways, we can improve your time with us.

You and your family are notable members of your health care team! We want to make sure we are all together when we discuss your plans, in the hospital and when you leave the hospital. Please ask questions about anything that is unclear, or you do not understand.

Understanding Medicine

To better understand your medicine, you and your family are encouraged to “Ask 3” Questions for each medicine that you are given:

1. What is the name of that medicine?

2. Why do I need to take it?

3. What are the possible side effects of that medicine?

Answer to your questions might sound like:

1. This medicine is_________

2. This medicine is for __________

3. The potential side effects of this medicine are________

“Ask 3” when talking about medicines with your doctor or nurse!

Before You Go

Partner With Us For Your Care

Before you leave, make sure that:

- We answered all your questions.

- You have the medication refills you need.

- You know when and how to take your medicine.

- You know how to care for yourself at home.

- You have (or know how to schedule) your next appointment.

- You can access your record.

- You were given any forms or notes that you need.

Family Member Support

At MUSC Health, we encourage your involvement in the care of your loved one. As an involved family member, you play an important role in the care of your loved one. In addition to you taking care of your yourself, we believe that good communication with health care professionals can and will improve the care that your loved one receives.

You can care for yourself and more confidently speak with health care professionals by considering the following.

Seek Support from family and friends. You are not alone!

Take care of your own health so you can be strong enough to take care of your loved ones.

Accept offers of help and suggest specific things people can do to help you.

Take resting breaks often as being a family caregiver is hard work.

Organize medical information so it’s up to date and easy to find.

Make sure legal documents are in order. Ask a care team member to contact Pastoral to help make your patients health care wishes known.

Listen and try to understand what the doctors or nurse is explain to you.

1. Offer your undivided attention and maintain eye contact.
2. Repeat in your own words what was told you, to confirm your understanding.
3. Seek clarification or issues or terms that you don’t fully understand.
- “Could you tell me more about…” or
- “I don’t quite get what you mean by…”
4. Use facts, rather than opinions or assumptions to describe medical concerns.
5. State what you need or want with “I” statements. Say “I think…,” or “I feel….,” rather than “you should…,” or “you always…”

Give yourself credit for doing the best you can in one of the toughest jobs there is!

As a family caregiver, you are not alone. For more support or help, please contact our Patient Advocacy Office at 803-256-5681 for assistance.

Daisy Award Nomination Form

Medical University of South Carolina participates in a nursing recognition program called The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Nominations can be submitted by anyone - patients, visitors, as well as physicians, nurses and all MUSC staff and volunteers. Nominations received will be considered for the next DAISY Award selection.

Recognize a Nurse

PCT Nomination Form

The PCT Passion Award provides recognition for our outstanding Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) who play a crucial role in your care journey. PCTs (also known as Medical Care Technicians) provide essential health care & support during your time in our medical facility. They ensure the cleanliness of your surroundings, closely monitor your health & vital signs & assist with fundamental needs such as feeding & grooming. The PCT Passion Award celebrates their effort & commitment to delivering compassionate & comprehensive care. Join us in expressing gratitude for these individuals.

Nominate Care Team Member