Those who don't have private health insurance can talk with an admissions counselor about other payment methods and sources of financial aid such as Medicaid and Medicare. After getting settled in your room, you begin to meet the members of your healthcare team. Doctors attend to each patient and are in charge of your overall care. It may be your regular doctor, one of the hospital staff, or a specialist. Nurses of many types including registered nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed practical nurses, nurses aides, and nursing students provide patient-care services.
Physical therapists teach patients to build muscles and improve coordination.
They may use exercise, heat, cold, or water therapy to help patients whose ability to move is limited. Occupational therapists work with patients to restore, maintain, or increase ability to perform daily tasks such as cooking, eating, bathing, and dressing. Speech therapists work with stroke patients or those recovering from throat surgery, also neurosurgery. Respiratory therapists prevent and treat breathing problems. Technicians conduct a variety of laboratory tests such as blood and urine tests and X-rays.