- How do I get to Van Diest Medical Center?
Webster City is a rural community located in the heart of Iowa. We are an easy one-hour drive from Des Moines, and just 3-4 hours from Minneapolis or Kansas City. Van Diest Medical Center is easily accessible. Please check the Map section under the Contact Us tab on the Home page of the website.
- Once I reach Van Diest Medical Center, where do I park?
The patient and visitor parking lots are on the west and south sides of the facility. The doors at the West Entrance are open from 7:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and closed in the evening. The South (or Emergency) Entrance is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- When are visiting hours at Van Diest Medical Center?
Van Diest Medical Center does not have “set” visiting hours; however, it is important to remember that patients are here for our care, and that large groups of visitors can disturb the restful, healing environment we strive to maintain. Hospital staff have treatments and duties to do with the patients, and visits too early in the day may interfere with care responsibilities. Van Diest Medical Center reserves the right to ask a visitor to leave.
- Are there any visitor guidelines that I should follow when visiting a patient?
Van Diest Medical Center encourages and promotes patients' families and/or significant others’ participation in the patient’s care by assuring the patient's right to receive visitors, and to designate who may or may not visit. Here are some guidelines they should follow upon their visit:
- Plan to visit during regular visiting hours with only two visitors allowed at a time per bedside.
- There is no smoking on campus.
- Children, for their safety, need to always be under adult supervision and exhibit quiet, calm behavior. Children should be well and healthy, limit their visiting time and visit in a designated area, if asked.
- Protect and respect the privacy of all patients.
- Safeguard your valuables.
- Be sensitive to the patient's condition and limit your visit accordingly.
- Speak quietly and help limit noise.
- Check whether cell phone use is permitted in your area.
- Follow staff instructions in times of emergency or special alert.
- Be aware that Van Diest Medical Center reserves the right to inspect bags and packages being brought in or removed from the hospital.
- Van Diest Medical Center requests that all visitors be in good health and free of communicable diseases when coming to the hospital to visit a patient.
- Can you recommend any places for me to stay when visiting a family member or loved one at Van Diest Medical Center?
There are two hotels located in Webster City; they are Super 8 at 305 Closz Drive and AmericInn at 411 Closz Drive.
- What rights do patients have at Van Diest Medical Center?
A quick reference of the rights a patient has at Van Diest Medical Center are explained in the Patient & Visitor tab on the website under “Patient Rights & Responsibilities.”
- How do I know my relative or significant other is in a safe environment?
Van Diest Medical Center Medical Center is a leader in its commitment to patient safety. Van Diest Medical Center has been a pioneer in electronic health records, medication safety and safe interdisciplinary team care practices. Our accomplishments in these areas have been instrumental in preventing errors and delivering high quality care. Van Diest Medical Center also takes a variety of precautions to prevent infections and takes great lengths to educate patients about their own roles in their safety.
- Who can I talk to about complaints, concerns or other opinions regarding the care at Van Diest Medical Center?
Van Diest Medical Center's Service Excellence Manager and House Supervisor serve patients and their families. Please contact the House Supervisor to voice concerns, complaints, grievances, questions or other problems during your or your love one's stay, at 515-832-7100. For concerns, complaints, grievances or problems that arise after the stay, please contact the Service Excellence Manager at 515.832.7732.
- What happens if the patient becomes too ill to make his or her own decisions?
Van Diest Medical Center helps patients, families and health professionals address difficult decisions about patient treatment. Healthcare decisions depend not only on medical information but also on the patient's religious beliefs, moral values and other preferences. Information about Advance Directives, Living Wills, Durable Power of Attorney and Do Not Resuscitate orders are included in the welcome folder each patient receives upon admission.
- How should I deliver flowers or gifts to a patient?
Mail is delivered to patients daily except Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Special delivery items will be delivered promptly. In addition to the address, items should also be identified with the patient's name and room number. Only mylar balloons are permitted at VDMC.
- Are there food options readily available while visiting a patient?
The Garden View Café is available to visitors. It offers several meal selections daily, including a fresh salad bar, snack items and desserts. Serving hours are 8:00 -10:00 a.m. for breakfast; 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for lunch, and 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. with limited food options available for dinner. Our hospital also has 24-hour vending machines located in the hallway outside the cafeteria and in the hallway near the Emergency/Outpatient entrance.
- Can I purchase gifts at the hospital?
The Auxiliary Gift Shop is located just inside the West Entrance of the hospital, and features gift items and cards.
- Are there designated smoking areas at the hospital?
The Van Diest Medical Center campus is tobacco and nicotine-free. Smoking and the use of tobacco or nicotine products in, on or around hospital property is strictly prohibited.
- Is Internet access available at Van Diest Medical Center?
Patients and guests at Van Diest Medical Center Medical Center have access to high-speed, wireless Internet inside patient rooms, waiting areas and outdoor courtyards. To connect to our free Wifi, click on the VDMC-Public network and accept the terms and conditions.
- Can I use my cell phone?
You are permitted to use your cell phone at Van Diest Medical Center unless otherwise noted by any signs or hospital personnel. Cell phone use would not be permitted if it caused interference with vital medical equipment or disrupted the care of any patients within the hospital.
- Where can I find a newspaper or ATM?
Newspaper vending machines and an ATM are just inside the Emergency Department Entrance.
- Is Notary Public Service available in the hospital?
Contact the Administrative Assistant for Notary Public Service at 515-832-7702.
- Are translation services available?
Translation services are available through our staff at the registration desks.
- What are my responsibilities as a patient?
The hospital appreciates your cooperation to ensure that efficient, safe and considerate care is available to all. Van Diest Medical Center requests patients to:
- Provide physicians and hospital personnel with accurate information related to your condition and care.
- Understand that you are responsible for consequences resulting from refusing treatment or not following instructions of physicians and hospital personnel.
- Be considerate of the hospital staff.
- Use hospital equipment and facilities carefully so that they remain in good condition for use by others.
- Respect the desires of others for privacy and quiet times.
- Observe visiting hours and limit visitors to two at a time.
- Remember that Van Diest Medical Center is a smoke-free environment. You and your visitors are expected to comply with this regulation.
- Supply insurance information and pay bills promptly, so that Van Diest Medical Center can continue to serve the community effectively.
- Understand that if you wear dentures, eyeglasses or contact lenses, you are responsible for their safekeeping during your hospital stay.
- Understand that items left on a meal tray, misplaced in your bedding, or placed under your pillow may be lost, and the hospital cannot assume responsibility to replace them.
- Understand that jewelry, cash and other valuables should be given to your relatives or friends to take home, or if that is not possible, you should deposit such items in the hospital safe. You will be given a written receipt for all items, which must be presented when you withdraw them.
For more information, please see the “Patient Rights & Responsibilities” section of our site.
- How does Van Diest Medical Center protect a patient's privacy?
On April 14, 2003, the Federal government put into effect a set of laws to protect the privacy of your personal health information (HIPAA). HIPAA protects aspects of your privacy such as information in your medical records, your physical privacy during tests, treatments and discussions, and billing for the services you received.
The "Privacy Notice" you received when you were admitted explains your rights under HIPAA in greater detail. If you do not receive a copy, as a patient, you can simply ask your nurse or see the “Notice of Privacy Practice” section of our site.
- How does Van Diest Medical Center protect patients from injury and further illnesses?
Van Diest Medical Center Medical Center is a leader in its commitment to patient safety. Van Diest Medical Center has been a pioneer in electronic health records, medication safety and safe interdisciplinary team care practices. Our accomplishments in these areas have been instrumental in preventing errors and delivering high quality care. Van Diest Medical Center also takes a variety of precautions to prevent infections and takes great lengths to educate patients about their own roles in their safety.
- Where can I get help when it comes to understanding my bill?
Your hospital bill consists of all the care and treatments you received on a daily basis. Physicians who have cared for you, have interpreted tests or read X-rays, or have administered anesthesia will bill you separately.
Your bills are first sent to your insurance company. You will receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurer, and information or balances from Van Diest Medical Center or your doctors. It is very important we have all your correct insurance information. If you want to speak to someone about your insurance or your bill, call our Financial Counselor at 515-832-7716.
- Do I qualify for financial assistance?
Van Diest Medical Center Medical Center has a Financial Assistance Program for those below the 225% of the federal poverty level or on state or federal assistance. For questions, please call our Financial Counselor at 515-832-7716.
- What are my food options as a patient?
Your physician may prescribe a "regular" or "special" therapeutic diet for you. A registered dietitian is available to meet with you and discuss your diet.
- Will my spiritual beliefs be taken into account during my care?
Van Diest Medical Center recognizes each patient as an individual with personal values and belief systems. As such, we support the rights of the patient to express his or her values and beliefs by arranging pastoral/religious services through which the spiritual needs of the patients, caregivers and family members can be met. The pastoral services assist in the utilization of faith and other resources, so patients may realize their optimum health. Church pastoral leaders are welcome to visit patients as well.
- How should I plan for being discharged from the hospital?
It is a good idea to start thinking about your discharge from the first day of your stay. Your doctor may have given you an idea of how long you may be in the hospital, but even if it is unclear, you will want to plan for a safe, comfortable departure with all arrangements made for whatever you may need, including decisions regarding who will bring you home, what medications will be needed for post-hospital care and follow-up appointments that should be made. You should also make sure you take home all your belongings and any valuables you left in our safe.
