Things to take care of before your DAY SURGERY visit
Whether your child is coming to Driscoll Children's Hospital for a surgery or a hospital stay, you will have some things to take care of beforehand. If time allows, we suggest you begin checking off the following items at least a week before your child’s arrival day.
Important Things To Do
Arrange Housing and Food. One parent may sleep near the child each night (except parents of children in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, who must discuss sleeping options with the child’s nurse). You can buy meals for yourself and other family members at the hospital cafeteria or area restaurants and grocery stores.
Arrange Transportation to and from Driscoll.
Meal, transportation, and lodging assistance through Medicaid Transportation Program
Plan ahead! If you live out of town and your child has Medicaid, you may qualify for assistance with transportation to and from hospital (one parent plus the patient), meal tickets, and lodging (if your child is admitted to one of our intensive care units) through the Medicaid Transportation Program. The first step is to call 1-877-633-8747, M-F, between the hours of 8a.m. to 4p.m. Be sure to have your child’s Medicaid #, Physician name and phone number, and the date of service when you call. Plans should be made as soon as Day Surgery confirms your appointment date. Due to Medicaid’s verification process and necessary paperwork that needs to be completed by your Physician in advance, it may take Medicaid up to 72 hours or more to process a request.
Send Medical Records. If requested, ask your child’s doctor(s) to send medical records, x-rays, or test results to the hospital.
Get Insurance Authorization. Ask your insurance company if you need a managed-care referral for your child’s primary doctor and/or pre-authorization for your child’s hospital stay. If you have questions about the authorization process, call Patient Financial Services at (361) 694-5111.
Apply for Financial Assistance. It is part of Driscoll’s mission to provide financial aid to children in South Texas based on family need and hospital resources. Driscoll’s financial aid program offers financial help based on income. For assistance and questions, call Patient Financial Services at (361) 694-5111.
Ask Family or Friends for Support. Examples include caring for siblings at home, visiting your child or bringing schoolwork or other needed items to the hospital.
Let Us Know about Cultural or Religious Practices. Let your doctor who referred your child for admission know in advance if you require special food for your child. If you have personal, ethical, or spiritual values that may affect how we work together, we want to know. We will do everything we can to respect your wishes.
Important Things To Bring
- Insurance Cards. Bring your health insurance and prescription cards.
- Medical Coupons. Remember coupons if your child is on Medicaid.
- Court Papers. Bring any legal papers giving custody or guardianship. If you are not a parent with legal custody, bring legal papers that allow you to admit your child to the hospital or consent to your child’s surgery.
- List of Medicines. Bring a list of the prescription and non-prescription medicines and vitamin supplements your child is taking, including the name, dosage and concentration (see below).
IMPORTANT NOTE: Bring your child's medicines.
Contact Information
Driscoll Children's Hospital Day Surgery
Located on the 2nd floor in the Rehabilitation Entrance
3533 S. Alameda Street
Corpus Christi,TX 78411
Phone: (361) 694-5000

