For patients at HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital

• Your doctor’s office staff will help get approval from your insurance provider. (Some plans require pre-approval.) Ask your insurance provider about costs for which you will be responsible.
• Hospital staff will review your health history.
• Your nursing needs, anesthesia needs (if having surgery) and other care will be planned.
• Appointments will be made for any needed preoperative diagnostic tests.
• Use this time to ask any questions you may have, including questions about available payment plans. 
• Arrange to have a family member or friend pick you up and bring you home the day you will be discharged. (If you need help with transportation, please ask us how we can help.)

6500 38th Ave. North
St. Petersburg, FL 33710
Tel: (727) 341-4808

• If you are having surgery, please make sure not to eat or drink anything (even water) after midnight before your surgery.
• Your doctor may give you additional instructions.

• Valuables such as jewelry, money, credit cards, etc. The hospital will not assume responsibility for valuables brought into the facility.
• Electrical appliances. (If you have a specific need, please talk with your nurse.)
• You may bring your glasses, dentures, hearing aids, etc., but St. Petersburg General Hospital cannot be responsible for breakage or loss of items kept in your room.

Have a living will (advance directive).

• Let your loved ones know in advance what decisions to make on your behalf, in the event you are suddenly unable to do so.
• Make sure your healthcare surrogate has a copy of your Living Will, understands your wishes, and agrees to follow your wishes.
• It is also a good idea to have an alternative healthcare surrogate.
• Be involved in your healthcare.

• Know what is being recommended by your physician(s) and why it is best for you.
• Know your rights and responsibilities.

• Why is the test or treatment needed?
• How will it help my condition?
• Is it covered by my insurance?
• What costs will I be responsible for?
• When will I get the results?
• What medications am I being given and why?
• What medication interactions and reactions should I look for?
• What foods should I avoid with these medications?

• Ask your healthcare provider to repeat key points.
• Have a friend or relative listen with you. Two pairs of ears are better than one.

• Make sure your health care providers know what medications you take.

• Have someone speak up on your behalf.
• Be comforted by having someone support you.

• Your doctor will visit you as much as needed based on your condition and recovery.
• Our nurses will make sure you receive the care your doctor orders.
• If you have concerns about the care you receive or actions of our staff, please contact the unit clinical manager or director. Their pictures and contact information are posted in patient rooms.
• If you are at risk for falling, please be sure to follow instructions to keep you safe.
• Each person who cares for you will wear an identification badge.
• We are committed to maintaining your privacy and confidentiality.

Our case management team assists with arrangements for your discharge from the hospital, including:

• Any necessary home assistance from a visiting nurse
• Medical equipment or supplies
• Short-term nursing facility placement, if necessary

HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital is proud to serve the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning (LGBTQ) community. We believe that everyone should receive the same level of excellent care no matter what race, religion or sexual orientation they are.

Since 2013, we have been Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) leaders in LGBTQ healthcare equality. The HEI evaluates healthcare facilities' policies and practices related to the equity and inclusion of their LGBTQ patients, visitors and employees.

HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital creates an inclusive environment that includes:

• Trained employees to treat LGBTQ patients
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care and services provided in our inpatient care setting
• Brochures to help educate the community on LGBTQ issues
• Partnership with the American Heart Association, including the Tampa Bay Heart Walk
• Partnership with the American Cancer Society, including the Making Strides against Breast Cancer Walk and the Relay for Life Walk
• Offering community education on LGBTQ issues
• Sponsorship of the Annual St. Pete Pride Parade and Street Festival

Get more information on HEI leaders in past reports about LGBTQ Healthcare Equality.

More information on LGBTQ health education

• Cancer Facts for Gay and Bisexual Men
• Cancer Facts for Lesbians
• GLMA (Health Professionals Advancing LGBT Equality)
• HIV/AIDS Resource Guide
• LGBTQ Health Education
• Tobacco and the LGBT Community

Related news

• St. Petersburg General Hospital earns “LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader” Designation for the Sixth Straight Year