Pre-Procedure Instructions
The hospital requires that you pre-register for your procedure. Please call the Northwestern Memorial Hospital Patient Access Unit at 312-926-2950. You will be asked to provide your insurance information when you call.
Insurance Coverage
Most insurance plans cover the embolization procedure. The exact amount of insurance coverage is determined by your individual plan. For more complete information regarding insurance and coverage amounts, please contact your insurance company.
You may also contact our financial and billing counselors for further assistance.- Northwestern Memorial Hospital Billing Inquiry 312-926-6900
- Financial Counselor 312-926-6906
- Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation Account Inquiry Department 312-695-9797 or 312-695-4092
Pre-Certification
Our clinic will contact your insurance company on your behalf for procedure pre-certification. If you have HMO insurance or an insurance plan that requires a physician referral, you may need to contact your primary care physician in advance of the procedure to request a referral. If you have any questions regarding this please contact Angela Jackson 312-695-1858.
Lab Work
Lab work (blood lab values) is required before any procedure and may be completed at the Diagnostic Testing Center. Recent lab work should be within the last 30 days.
Prescriptions
There are no pre-medications that need to taken before your procedure. Medications for your recovery at home will be phoned into your pharmacy the weekend before your procedure is scheduled to occur. These medications must be picked up before your procedure, but you do not need to bring them with you to the hospital. You will begin taking these medications at your home soon after you are discharged.
Dietary Instructions
On the day before your procedure, drink plenty of fluids (water) throughout the day. At dinner, do not eat heavy foods, such as meat and potatoes. Most patients will be asked to not eat or drink anything after 12:00 am (midnight). If you are on routine medications, they may be taken with sips of water unless otherwise directed.
What to Bring to the Hospital
For your overnight hospitalization, you will remain in your hospital gown. You may bring your personal toiletry items and a change of clothes if you wish. Please also bring your insurance information.
Where to Report
You should arrive at the hospital at your pre-scheduled time. Please bring your order/physician referral with you if you have one. Simply check in at the following location:
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
251 E. Huron
Feinberg Pavilion, 4th Floor
Interventional Radiology Reception Desk
Procedure preparation will be done in the Interventional Radiology department. Your overnight observation room will be on the 14th floor in the Prentice Pavilion.
Procedure Preparation
Procedure preparation is done in the Holding Room. You will first be asked to obtain a urine specimen. An intravenous (IV) line, a urinary catheter tube, and the epidural catheter will be done in a private area of the Holding Room. Pre-procedure medications will be given through your IV. Your doctor will initially see you in the Holding Room to re-introduce you to the procedure and what to expect. At that time you may discuss any questions or concerns. The informed consent will also be obtained and discussed at this time.
Family Waiting and Escort Home
Your family members may wait in the IR waiting area. There is a cafeteria located on the second floor. If they wish, they may meet you in your room in Prentice Pavilion after your procedure and procedure recovery. Procedures usually last 1 – 1.5 hours. Procedure recovery is at least one hour.
If you are coming alone, you will need to arrange an escort or ride home by another person. Patients are generally discharged after 10:00 am or when your condition is stable and your escort has arrived. IMPORTANT: You will not be allowed to drive yourself home.
Hospital Van Service
If you are in the hospital transportation coverage area, arrangements can be made to have one of the patient service vans take you safely home. It is not possible to ride a taxi, bus, or train home alone. You must have another person available to safely escort or drive you home.