Patient Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When I check-in, what kind of personal belongings should I bring?

A: You may bring a small bag of personal belongings such as toothbrush, hairbrush, robe and slippers. If possible, label your belongings. Labeling greatly increases the chance of finding your items in case they are misplaced. Whenever possible, please leave your valuables, credit cards, cash and jewelry at home. Dallas Regional Medical Center does not assume responsibility for lost articles but will make every effort to help you find them. If you lose an item, notify your nurse immediately.

Q: How can my family reach me in the hospital?

A: Family members and friends may call Dallas Regional Medical Center at (214) 320-7000 and request to be transferred to you. Direct-dial phone numbers are also posted in every patient room.

Q: What if I cannot understand the Dallas Regional Medical Center staff or English is not my native language?

A: If you experience any communication problems while receiving care, please tell your nurse about your special needs. We can provide the following:

• Foreign language interpreter
• Closed captioning

If immediate foreign language interpretation is needed, ask your nurse to contact the nursing supervisor who can access the Language Line. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Q: Can clergy members visit Dallas Regional Medical Center patients?

A: Clergy members of all faiths are welcome at the hospital. If you wish to arrange a visit, you can contact representatives of your faith or let your nurse know that you’d like the hospital chaplain to visit you.

Q: Will being an organ donor affect my medical care

A: Being an organ donor will not affect the care you receive. If you are injured or ill and are taken to a hospital emergency room, you will receive the best possible care whether or not you are an organ donor. Donation procedures begin only after all efforts to save your life have failed and death has been declared.

Q: Who pays for the added expense of organ donation?

A: There are no extra expenses for the family donating organs and tissues. State and federal funds pay all costs related to organ and tissue donation.

Q: Will organ donation disfigure my body?

A: No. Organ and tissue donation does not change the way the body looks in the casket for the memorial service. For more information about deciding whether or not you would like to donate your tissues and/or organs after death, call Southwestern Transplant at (214) 522-0255.

Q: Do I have to complete an Advance Directive?

A: Advance Directives are optional documents. However, if you chose to complete one, it is important that you provide a copy to members of your health care team. If you have one, please bring a copy of your Advance Directive, Living Will or Durable Power of Attorney to the hospital.

Q: What is the purpose of having an Advance Directive?

A: The purpose of an Advance Directive is to allow you to tell us your future care choices. As a result, your health care team will know what your wishes are in case you become unable to express them. This is an opportunity to put your wishes in writing while you are able to make decisions.

Q: Can my family and friends make decisions when I am unable to?

A: Your doctor will ask your closest relative or individual designated as a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare to help make decisions if you are unable. It can be very helpful if you have appointed one person to be your Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare Decisions. This person will assist the doctor in making the decisions.