Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can patients bring?
   We usually tell people to bring clothes like they were going on a three day trip. Anything that they bring that cannot be kept in the room, will be kept at the nursing station and can be checked out for use.  We suggest that patients bring a list of the medications that they are currently using or the bottles so that we have the correct information.
   
2. MediCal/MediCare related coverage issues?
   Our facility is covered by Medicare for adults, and for MediCal we are covered for all children, adolescents, and for adults up to the age of 21 and over the age of 65. Parkside West, our managed unit, takes Adult MediCal between the ages of 21 and 65.  MediCal criteria for admission to an inpatient psychiatric facility is for acute reasons only, meaning a patient needs to be experiencing suicidal, homicidal ideation or be gravely disabled due to a mental illness. We provide a free assessment to anyone in need,but for admission the criteria is clear.  MediCal does not pay for detoxification in our facility, however they do have contracted facilities in the county for substance abuse treatment.
   
3. Will detox just be "cold turkey", or will I get medicated to manage the pain?
   We utilize a medication protocol which is determined by the psychiatrist and monitored by a primary care physician for any medical symptoms. We try to make the detox as comfortable as possible using antianxiety medications that are not addictive, usually librium or phenobarbital.
   
4. Can I have visitors?
   Absolutely, visitors are encouraged during scheduled hours.  For family members that are visiting, we also have family group therapy to discuss issues which brought the person to the facility and help the family discuss issues and learn resources to help the patient upon discharge.
   
5. Do you have free community meetings?
    We offer a free aftercare program for any person that has been at Aurora Charter Oak hospital for any length of time for one year after discharge, which included a group process session. For adolescents that are discharged a free family group is provided for on a weekly basis for one year. We also provide other support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Emotional Anonymous (EA), Codependency Anonymous (CODA), and Alanon for family members of someone with addictions.  A list of these can be found here.
   
6. How do I get admitted? What's the process?
   People first call for an assessment, which can be scheduled or someone shows up at the hospital for an assessment.  After the intake staff has completed the assessment, a determination is made for the level of care that is appropriate.  If inpatient treatment is recommended, we determine if an insurance pre authorization is required. If for any reason Aurora Charter Oak is not a provider for the insurance carrier we will either make arrangements for a special rate with the insurance, or have the person transferred to a facility which will be covered by the insurance carrier.  If a person does not have any insurance, the business office will work with the person to make financial arrangements.
   
7. What does the stay cost?
   Cash pay rates are quoted by phone with the business office. Depending on the insurance plan, some coverage's have a one time admit fee or a co-pay per day.  These rates are determined by the insurance company and are based on the plan that is purchased by the employer.  We are not able to waive these fees due to contractual obligations.  Payment arrangements can be made for these fees.
   
8. Do you have residential/ECT?
   No. We do not have residential/ECT at this facility.
   
9. Can I make an appointment? When is the best time to come in?
   An appointment can be made by calling 800-654-2673. The best time for an assessment is between 8 am and 11 pm at night.  In an emergency, we can do an assessment at night.
   
10. How long will I stay?
    The assessment takes approximately 45 minutes, and then depending on what level care is recommended, it could take up to two hours total for the admission process.  During the inpatient stay, the length of time in the hospital is determined between you and the psychiatrist.
    
11. Can I leave whenever?
    We try to have patients voluntarily seek treatment. If a person is unwilling to stay in the hospital and is in imminent danger of hurting them self or others, we do have the ability of placing him or her on a involuntary hold until evaluated by a psychiatrist to determine if he/she is safe from harm due to their mental illness.
    
12. Are there beds available?
    Normally there are beds available on a daily basis. The best time to come in is during the morning, and usually a bed will open up  from a discharge Later in the evening, if there is no bed available, we can either refer to another hospital or put the patient on a waiting list for the morning.
    
13. Will I see a psychologist?
    Several psychologists are on staff and do see patients in the hospital, dependent upon which psychiatrist the patient is assigned to, and if they use the services of a psychologist.  Some insurances do not pay for psychologists, therefore there are many factors determining if a patient sees a psychologist.  We do have clinicians that see each patient for one individual session.
    
14. Will I have individual treatment?  
    All treatment plans are individualized. We also will integrate family members if the person would like them involved. We offer individual and family sessions when appropriate.
    
15. Can I wear my own clothes?
    Absolutely.  If a person does not have clothes, we have a closet of donated items that are available until a person can get their own clothes.