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In-Patient (IP) Guidelines

Your complete guide to hospital admission at Vivekananda Hospital, Begumpet. From admission process to room categories, surgery preparation to discharge guidance - everything you need for a smooth inpatient stay.

100-Bed Hospital 24/7 IP Reception NABH Accredited Cashless Insurance Multiple Room Categories
Call +91 72079 04418 Book Pre-Admission Consultation

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Admission Process Pre-Admission Checklist Room Categories Surgery Preparation Daily Hospital Life ICU Policy Billing & Cashless Discharge Process Insurance Empanelment FAQ
100
Hospital Beds
24/7
IP Reception
NABH
Accredited Quality
25+
Insurers Cashless
365
Days a Year Open

Welcome to In-Patient Care at Vivekananda Hospital

Hospital admission can be a stressful time for patients and families. This comprehensive guide walks you through every aspect of your in-patient stay at Vivekananda Hospital, Begumpet - from the admission process to discharge. Our 100-bed multispecialty hospital, NABH-accredited and trusted by Hyderabad families since 1995, offers planned and emergency admissions across all 22 specialty departments.

The IP reception desk operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for the convenience of planned admissions, unplanned arrivals, and emergency cases. For any clarifications about admissions, room availability, insurance coverage, or admission process, call +91 72079 04418 at any time.

Hospital Admission Process

Hospital admissions follow two pathways depending on the medical situation - planned admissions and emergency admissions. Each follows a different process to ensure appropriate care.

Planned Admission

For elective surgery, scheduled treatment, planned procedures, and non-emergency cases.

  1. Consult with your specialist who recommends admission
  2. Receive admission prescription/advice letter from the consultant
  3. Complete all advised pre-admission tests and investigations
  4. Visit IP reception with admission letter and documents (or call ahead to register)
  5. Submit insurance pre-authorisation if applicable
  6. Complete admission paperwork and consent forms
  7. Pay deposit (if not cashless) or wait for pre-auth approval
  8. Get assigned to your room category
  9. Pre-operative briefing if surgery is planned
Tip: For cashless insurance, request pre-authorisation 2-3 working days before admission to avoid delays. Carry original documents.

Emergency Admission

For accidents, acute illness, severe symptoms, and any condition requiring immediate medical attention.

  1. Come directly to Emergency Department (24/7 access)
  2. Triage assessment by emergency medical team
  3. Initial investigations and stabilisation
  4. Specialist consultation (called immediately if needed)
  5. Admission decision based on medical assessment
  6. Family member completes minimal admission paperwork
  7. Insurance pre-authorisation initiated by hospital TPA desk
  8. Patient transferred to appropriate room/ICU
  9. Treatment continues without delays
Important: Emergency care is not delayed for paperwork. Treatment begins immediately based on medical need. Documentation is completed in parallel.
For Emergencies, call +91 72079 04418 or come directly to Emergency Department - 24/7 access available

Pre-Admission Checklist - What to Bring

Bringing the right documents and items makes the admission process smooth and avoids last-minute issues. Here is the complete checklist for hospital admission at Vivekananda Hospital:

1
Admission Prescription Original consultant doctor's admission prescription or advice letter. Mandatory for processing the admission.
2
Photo Identification Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving license, or passport. Required for hospital registration and insurance verification.
3
Insurance Card & Policy Health insurance card with policy number, CGHS card, ESI card, or Arogyabhadratha card. Bring original policy documents for cashless verification.
4
Pre-Admission Test Reports All advised pre-admission test reports - blood tests, ECG, X-ray, ultrasound, CT/MRI scans, biopsy reports if applicable.
5
Current Medications List Complete list of all medications you currently take with exact dosages and frequency, including vitamins and herbal supplements.
6
Medical History Details Previous hospital records, surgery details, ongoing chronic conditions, allergies (drug, food, environmental), and adverse drug reactions.
7
Personal Toiletries Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, towel, comb, sanitary items. Hospital provides basic items but personal preferences are recommended.
8
Comfortable Clothing Loose-fitting nightwear, clean undergarments for daily change, sandals or slippers, dressing gown if preferred. Hospital provides basic gowns.
9
Mobile Phone & Charger For staying connected with family, accessing entertainment, and emergencies. Charging points available in all rooms.
10
Reading Material / Tablet Books, magazines, tablet, or laptop for entertainment during recovery. Helpful for longer stays and post-surgical recovery periods.
11
Admission Deposit If not cashless treatment, carry approximate admission deposit. Card, UPI, or cash accepted. Hospital advises specific amount during pre-admission.
12
Family Contact Details Written list of next-of-kin, emergency contacts, family doctor (if any), and insurance representative numbers for hospital records.
What NOT to bring: Leave valuables (jewellery, large amounts of cash, expensive watches), important original documents (other than required ones), and unnecessary electronics at home. Hospital is not responsible for lost personal valuables.

Room Categories

Vivekananda Hospital offers multiple room categories to suit different patient needs, medical requirements, and budget preferences. Room availability varies by date and is subject to occupancy. Tariff varies by category.

G

General Ward (Cubicles)

Economical inpatient care option with cubicle-style partitioning for patient privacy. Suitable for patients under government schemes and basic insurance plans.

  • Cubicle-partitioned beds
  • Individual privacy curtains
  • Common toilet facility
  • Air ventilation
  • CGHS/ESI/Arogyabhadratha eligible
N

Single Room - Non AC (Private)

Private single-bed room without air conditioning. Cost-effective private accommodation suitable for short stays or patients comfortable without AC.

  • Single bed private room
  • Attached private toilet
  • Attendant seating
  • Natural ventilation/fan
  • Privacy and quiet
A

Single Room - AC (Private)

Private single-bed room with air conditioning. Most popular choice for patients seeking comfortable private recovery environment.

  • Single bed private room
  • Attached private toilet
  • Air conditioning
  • Attendant chair/couch
  • TV (in select rooms)
D

Deluxe Room

Premium private room with additional amenities, more spacious, suitable for longer stays or patients seeking enhanced comfort.

  • Spacious private room
  • Attached private toilet
  • Comfortable attendant area
  • Premium air conditioning
  • Enhanced amenities
I

ICU (Intensive Care)

Intensive Care Unit for critically ill patients requiring close medical monitoring, specialised equipment, and 24/7 nursing.

  • Specialised ICU bed
  • Continuous monitoring
  • Ventilator support (if needed)
  • 1:1 or 1:2 nurse-to-patient ratio
  • Restricted visiting policy
L

Labour Room (LDR)

Combined Labour-Delivery-Recovery (LDR) suite where the expectant mother labours, delivers, and recovers in the same room. This modern obstetric setup avoids stressful movement between rooms during labour and provides a comfortable, family-friendly environment.

  • Combined labour-delivery-recovery suite
  • No room transfer during labour
  • Labour monitoring equipment
  • Trained obstetric and midwifery team
  • Immediate newborn care setup
  • Family member accompaniment (where permitted)

Specialised Neonatal Care: Vivekananda Hospital also operates a Level 2 NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) for newborns requiring specialised care - premature babies, low birth weight infants, those with breathing difficulties, jaundice management, and other neonatal conditions. NICU placement is a medical decision based on the newborn's clinical needs, not a category patients choose. The NICU is equipped with specialised neonatal incubators, phototherapy units, continuous monitoring systems, and staffed by trained neonatology team. Mothers are facilitated access for breastfeeding when appropriate.

Room tariff and current availability can be confirmed by calling +91 72079 04418. Insurance coverage for room categories varies by policy - typically Single Room is covered up to a daily limit, with patients paying difference if upgrading. CGHS/ESI/Arogyabhadratha have specific room category eligibility based on beneficiary level. ICU and NICU placement is determined by medical necessity and is generally covered under standard inpatient insurance policies.

Surgery Preparation

If your admission is for planned surgery, careful pre-operative preparation is critical for safe anaesthesia and successful surgery. Follow your surgeon's specific instructions which will typically include:

1

Pre-Operative Tests

Complete all advised pre-op investigations on the date specified - blood tests, ECG, chest X-ray, blood grouping and crossmatching, ultrasound if needed, and any specialty-specific tests. Reports must be valid and recent (typically within 7 days).

2

Medical Fitness Clearance

Internal medicine consultant or anaesthesiologist evaluates your overall medical condition for surgery. They review your medications, chronic conditions, allergies, and provide clearance or recommend optimisation before surgery.

3

Medication Review

Some medications need to be stopped or adjusted before surgery - blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel), diabetes medications, herbal supplements. Some need to be continued (heart medications, certain blood pressure medications). Your doctor provides specific instructions.

4

Pre-Operative Fasting (NPO)

Standard fasting - no solid food for 6-8 hours before surgery, no clear liquids for 2 hours before surgery. Specific instructions vary by surgery type and time. Some essential morning medications may be allowed with sips of water.

5

Informed Consent

Surgical and anaesthesia consent forms explain procedure, alternatives, risks, expected outcomes, and recovery. Read carefully, ask questions, understand fully before signing. Both patient and family witness consent for major procedures.

6

Anaesthesia Briefing

Anaesthesiologist meets you to discuss anaesthesia type (general, regional, local), explain process, address concerns, and finalise plan based on your medical condition. Discuss any previous anaesthesia complications, allergies, or family history.

7

Pre-Surgical Preparation

Hospital staff prepares you for surgery - bath/cleaning, removal of jewellery and dentures, change to surgical gown, IV line insertion, pre-medication if needed. Family member can accompany till operation theatre entrance.

8

Post-Operative Care Planning

Plan for post-surgery recovery - room ready for transfer, attendant arrangement, pain management plan, expected mobility timeline, dietary advancement schedule, when family can visit. Surgical team explains post-op recovery expectations.

CRITICAL: Pre-Operative Fasting Eating or drinking during the fasting period can cause serious complications during anaesthesia (aspiration of stomach contents into lungs). If you accidentally eat or drink something, inform the medical team immediately - the surgery may need to be rescheduled to ensure safety.

Daily Life During Your Stay

Understanding the rhythm of hospital life helps you and your family settle in comfortably during your stay. Here is what to expect each day at Vivekananda Hospital:

Doctor Rounds

Treating consultant typically visits during morning rounds (8-10 AM) to assess progress, review investigations, adjust treatment, and answer questions. Other doctors involved in your care may visit at different times. Specific concerns can be addressed with nursing staff who relay to doctors.

Nursing Care

Nurses provide round-the-clock care including medication administration, vital signs monitoring, wound care, IV management, and daily living assistance as needed. Don't hesitate to call the nurse for any concern, however small. Each room has a nurse call button.

Meals & Diet

Hospital provides hygienic, nutritious meals based on doctor and dietician approved diet plan. Specific dietary requirements (diabetic, low salt, soft, post-surgery) are accommodated. Outside food should not be consumed without nurse/doctor approval to avoid medication interactions or recovery interference.

Visitor Hours

Specific visiting hours apply to maintain patient rest and infection control. One attendant can stay round-the-clock with the patient. Additional family members visit during designated visiting hours. ICU has separate restricted visiting policy.

Privacy & Dignity

Curtains and dividers ensure privacy during examinations and procedures. Female patients are examined by female doctors when possible or with female chaperone present. Cultural and religious sensitivities are respected. Inform staff of any specific privacy needs.

Communication with Family

Mobile phones permitted for communication. Hospital provides updates to designated family contact. Any changes in patient condition are communicated promptly. Treating doctor or nursing supervisor available for detailed discussions during business hours and emergencies anytime.

ICU - Intensive Care Unit Policy

The ICU at Vivekananda Hospital cares for critically ill patients requiring continuous monitoring, specialised equipment, and intensive medical attention. Different policies apply to ICU stays compared to regular wards.

Visiting Hours

Restricted visiting - typically twice daily for short durations (15-20 minutes per session) for immediate family only. Sterile environment must be maintained.

Number of Visitors

One or two visitors at a time. Children below 12 years typically not allowed in ICU due to infection risk and emotional impact considerations.

Hygiene Protocol

Mandatory hand hygiene before entry. Disposable gowns, masks, and shoe covers provided when needed. No flowers, plants, or food allowed in ICU.

Family Updates

ICU team provides daily medical updates to a designated family member at fixed times. For urgent updates, the nursing supervisor is available 24/7.

Decision Making

Designated family member acts as primary point of contact for treatment decisions. ICU team explains options, risks, and recommendations clearly.

Personal Items

Minimal personal items allowed in ICU. Religious tokens, family photos in small frames, eyeglasses if needed. Personal valuables should be kept by family.

ICU to Ward Transfer

Patient is transferred to a regular ward when ICU-level monitoring is no longer required. Continued recovery happens in step-down ward setting.

Emotional Support

ICU experience can be emotionally challenging for families. Hospital staff provide compassionate communication, and counselling is available on request.

Billing & Cashless Insurance Process

Understanding the billing process reduces anxiety during your hospital stay. Vivekananda Hospital follows transparent billing practices with detailed itemisation. Here is how the billing flow works:

1

Initial Estimate & Pre-Authorisation

At admission, the hospital provides an estimated cost based on diagnosis, planned treatment, and room category. For cashless insurance, pre-authorisation request is sent to insurance company with supporting documents.

2

Insurance Pre-Auth Approval

Insurance company reviews and approves pre-authorisation typically within 24-48 hours for planned admissions, 6-24 hours for emergencies. Approved amount and policy coverage details are confirmed. Hospital receives approval letter.

3

Admission Deposit

If cashless not approved or not applicable, an initial admission deposit is collected. For cashless cases, a refundable deposit may still be collected pending pre-auth, which is adjusted/refunded after final settlement.

4

Interim Billing & Enhancement

For longer stays, interim bills are generated and sent to insurance company for enhancement (additional approval). This ensures cashless coverage continues throughout stay. Patients are kept informed of progressive bill amount.

5

Final Bill at Discharge

Comprehensive itemised final bill includes - room charges, doctor fees, surgical charges, ICU charges, investigations, medications, consumables, OT charges, anaesthesia, service charges, taxes. All charges clearly listed.

6

Insurance Final Settlement

For cashless cases, final bill is sent to insurance for final settlement. Insurance pays approved amount directly to hospital. Patient pays only the non-covered portion (room rent difference, non-medical items, deductibles).

7

Patient Payment of Balance

Patient settles any remaining balance through cash, card, or UPI. For non-cashless cases, patient pays full amount and submits bills to insurance for reimbursement claim. Itemised bills are provided for claim filing.

8

Discharge Documents Issued

Once bill is fully settled, discharge documents are issued - discharge summary, prescriptions, follow-up advice, insurance settlement letter, fee receipts, and any other required documents.

If insurance pre-auth is rejected, the hospital TPA desk explains reasons and explores options - paying out-of-pocket and filing reimbursement later, modifying treatment plan to align with policy, or escalating with insurance company. The hospital does not deny necessary medical care due to insurance issues.

Discharge Process

Once your treating doctor approves discharge, the formal discharge process begins. Patients and attendants are typically informed in advance about expected discharge date and time. The complete discharge process takes approximately 4-5 hours from doctor's approval to actually leaving the hospital.

Typical Discharge Timeline (4-5 Hours)
  • Doctor Approval (0-30 min): Treating doctor visits, conducts final assessment, declares fit for discharge, writes discharge summary, finalises medications and follow-up advice.
  • Documentation (30-90 min): Hospital staff prepare discharge summary, compile all reports, finalise medication list, prepare follow-up advice in writing.
  • Pharmacy Preparation (60-90 min): Discharge medications prepared by hospital pharmacy with detailed dosing schedule. Counselling on medication usage if needed.
  • Final Billing (30-60 min): All consumables, procedures, medications added to bill. Itemised final bill generated. Reviewed for accuracy.
  • Insurance Settlement (60-180 min): For cashless cases, final bill sent to insurance for settlement. Insurance approves payment. Hospital receives payment confirmation.
  • Patient Payment (15-30 min): Any remaining balance settled by patient through preferred payment method. Receipt issued.
  • Removal of Medical Attachments (15-30 min): IV lines, catheters, drains removed by nursing staff. Final wound dressing if needed.
  • Discharge Briefing (15-30 min): Final briefing on medications, dietary advice, activity restrictions, warning signs, follow-up appointments. Questions answered.
  • Departure: Patient escorted to exit. Transportation help arranged if needed.

The discharge process feels long because it involves multiple coordinated activities. The 4-5 hour duration ensures complete documentation, accurate billing, proper medication, clear instructions, and safe departure. Plan accordingly - have transportation arranged for the actual departure time, not the doctor approval time.

Important: Hospital bill must be fully settled by the time of discharge. For insurance cases, this means final settlement letter from insurance must be received. For self-pay, all dues must be cleared. Discharge documents are issued after bill settlement.

Insurance & Government Scheme Empanelment

Vivekananda Hospital is empanelled with major government health schemes and 25+ private insurance providers for cashless inpatient treatment. Bring policy documents and insurance card for verification at admission.

Government Schemes: CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) for central government employees, ESI (Employees State Insurance) for organised sector workforce, and Arogyabhadratha (Telangana state government employee scheme).

Private Insurers: 25+ providers including Star Health, HDFC Ergo, ICICI Lombard, Bajaj Allianz, Niva Bupa, Care Health, and others.

CGHS ESI Arogyabhadratha Star Health HDFC Ergo ICICI Lombard Bajaj Allianz Niva Bupa Care Health 25+ More

For complete empanelment list and policy verification, visit the Insurance & Empanelments page or call +91 72079 04418.

Frequently Asked Questions - In-Patient Care

How do I get admitted to Vivekananda Hospital?
Hospital admissions follow two pathways. For planned admissions (elective surgery, scheduled treatment), visit the IP reception at the hospital with your consultant doctor's prescription, or call +91 72079 04418 in advance to register. For emergency admissions, come directly to the Emergency Department which operates 24/7. The IP reception desk is available 24/7, 365 days a year for both planned and unplanned admissions.
What documents do I need for hospital admission?
Bring your consultant doctor's admission prescription or advice letter, photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, driving license, or passport), insurance card or CGHS/ESI/Arogyabhadratha card, all pre-admission test reports, list of current medications with dosages, medical history details including allergies and adverse reactions, and admission deposit (if not cashless). Original admission prescription is mandatory for processing the admission.
What room categories are available?
Vivekananda Hospital offers multiple room categories to suit different patient needs and budgets - General Ward with cubicle partitioning (economical option), Single Room Non-AC (private without air conditioning), Single Room AC (private with air conditioning), Deluxe Room (premium private), ICU (Intensive Care Unit for critical patients), and Labour Room LDR (combined labour-delivery-recovery suite). Room availability varies by date. Tariff and amenities differ by category. Contact +91 72079 04418 for current room availability and tariff information.
Does Vivekananda Hospital offer cashless insurance for admissions?
Yes. Vivekananda Hospital is empanelled for cashless treatment with CGHS, ESI, Arogyabhadratha, and 25+ private health insurance providers. Pre-authorisation is required from the insurance company before treatment begins. The hospital's TPA desk handles insurance pre-authorisation, interim approvals, and final settlement. Bring your insurance card and policy documents to admission. For specific policy verification, call the insurance helpline number on your card or our hospital +91 72079 04418.
What is the discharge process at Vivekananda Hospital?
The discharge process typically takes 4-5 hours from the time the doctor approves discharge. The process includes - final medical assessment by the treating doctor, completion of medical records and discharge summary, pharmacy preparation of discharge medications, final billing including all consumables and procedures, insurance final settlement (if cashless), payment of any remaining balance, removal of IV lines and other medical attachments, transportation arrangement if needed. Patients and attendants are informed in advance about expected discharge date and time.
What are the visiting hours for inpatients?
General ward and room visiting hours are typically morning and evening sessions. Specific visiting times vary by floor and patient condition. Only one attendant is allowed at a time with each patient round-the-clock. ICU has separate, restricted visiting hours typically twice daily for short durations to maintain sterile environment and patient rest. For specific visiting hour information, contact the hospital reception or the nursing station of the relevant floor.
How long does insurance pre-authorisation take?
Pre-authorisation timelines vary by insurance provider. For planned admissions, request pre-authorisation 2-3 working days before admission - approval typically comes within 24-48 hours. For emergency admissions, the hospital initiates pre-authorisation immediately and the insurance company has 6-24 hours to respond depending on the policy. During pre-authorisation, the hospital may collect a refundable deposit which is adjusted against the final cashless settlement.
What if my insurance pre-authorisation is rejected?
If pre-authorisation is rejected, the hospital's TPA desk will help you understand the reason and explore options. Common reasons include policy exclusions, waiting period not completed, or treatment not covered. Options include - paying out-of-pocket and filing reimbursement claim later (if eligible), modifying treatment plan to align with policy coverage, escalating with insurance company through TPA, or arranging alternative payment. The hospital does not deny necessary treatment due to insurance issues - patient care is the priority.
Can I get private nursing or a personal attendant?
One family attendant is allowed to stay with each patient round-the-clock at no extra charge (subject to room category). Hospital nursing covers all medical care including medication administration, monitoring, wound care, and emergencies. For patients needing additional non-medical support (assistance with feeding, mobility, hygiene), personal attendants can be arranged through hospital coordination. Discuss specific needs at admission.
What about food during hospital stay?
Hospital provides hygienic and nutritious food approved by the consulting doctor and dietician based on patient's medical condition. Specific dietary requirements (diabetic, low salt, soft diet, post-surgery) are accommodated. Outside food should not be consumed without prior approval from the nurse or doctor as it may interfere with medical treatment, medications, or recovery. Family members can bring approved food items after consulting the duty nurse.
What should I do before scheduled surgery?
Before scheduled surgery, follow your surgeon's specific instructions which typically include - fasting (typically nil-by-mouth) for 6-8 hours before surgery for solid food and 2 hours for clear liquids, complete all pre-operative tests on the date specified, stop or continue specific medications as advised, arrange a family member to accompany on surgery day, complete consent forms, get medical fitness certificate from internal medicine if required, arrange post-operative care at home. Surgical team will brief you about the procedure, anaesthesia, and recovery during pre-op consultation.
Can ICU patients have visitors?
ICU has restricted visiting policy to maintain sterile environment and ensure patient rest. Typically two short visiting sessions are allowed per day for immediate family members - usually morning and evening. Only one or two visitors at a time, no children below 12 years (typically), no flowers or food, and proper hand hygiene mandatory before entry. The ICU team provides daily updates to designated family member. For specific ICU visiting policies, contact the ICU nursing station.
How is the final bill calculated?
Final hospital bill includes - Room charges (per day based on category), Doctor consultation and visit fees, Procedure and surgery charges, ICU charges (if applicable), Investigation costs (lab tests, imaging), Medications and consumables, Pharmacy charges for discharge medications, Operation theatre charges (if applicable), Anaesthesia charges, Service charges. An itemised bill is provided. For cashless treatment, insurance covers eligible charges and patient pays the non-covered portion. Bill must be fully settled at discharge.
What if I can't afford the hospital bill?
Discuss financial constraints with the hospital billing department or admission counselor at the time of admission. Options include - government health scheme empanelment (CGHS, ESI, Arogyabhadratha), private insurance (verify pre-existing condition coverage), structured payment plans for non-emergency cases, charity assistance programmes for genuinely needy patients (subject to eligibility), modified treatment plans focusing on essential care. The hospital does not refuse necessary medical care but advance financial planning is encouraged for elective procedures.
What happens after discharge?
After discharge you receive a detailed discharge summary including diagnosis, treatment given, medications prescribed with dosage and duration, dietary advice, activity restrictions, warning signs to watch for, follow-up appointment dates, contact information for any concerns. Strictly follow medication and follow-up schedules. Watch for warning signs and contact the hospital immediately if any complications arise. Most patients have a follow-up consultation 7-14 days after discharge. For post-discharge concerns, call +91 72079 04418.

Need to plan a hospital admission?

Call our IP reception 24/7 for admission queries, room availability, insurance verification, or pre-admission consultation.

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