Patient & Family Services

UMHS Patient and Visitors Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

• For Patients
• For Families
• Contact Us

For Patients

1. Who takes care of me after I'm discharged from the hospital or emergency department?
   The Trauma Burn Clinic provides outpatient care for patients who have traumatic injuries, burns, or other surgical conditions. Any patient who has been hospitalized under the care of the TBE service should come for follow-up after discharge. You may also require follow-up with other specialty physicians and/or your family physician.
   
   
2. How do I call the TBE clinic nurse?
   The nurse is available Monday - Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm. The phone number is (734) 936-9669. A message system is available 24 hours a day if the nurse is not readily available. Messages may also be faxed to (734) 647-8962.
   
   
3. How do I call the TBE physician?
   A Trauma Burn physician may be reached via the clinic nurse (during above hours).
   
   
4. What if it's at night or a weekend, or holiday?
   Call the Trauma Burn resident on-call through the hospital paging operator at (734) 936-6267. If your concern is not urgent, you may leave a message for the clinic nurse at (734) 936-9669 and your call will be returned during regular clinic hours.
   
   
5. Do I need a referral or authorization for treatment?
   It depends on your insurance. You should check with your insurance company to see if it is necessary.
   
   
6. How do I get an appointment to be seen?
   The Trauma Burn Clinic receptionist is also available Monday - Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. The phone number is (734) 936-9665. Non-urgent messages may also be left on the answering machine.
   
   
7. How do I get there?
   Download Trauma Burn Maps (PDF)
   
   
8. Do I have to pay for parking?
   Yes. The cost is only $2.00 if you have your parking ticket validated when checking in to the Clinic.
   
   
9. How should I prepare for my clinic appointment?
   
   1. Allow ample time for finding your way here, parking and getting registered.
   2. Bring your insurance card and blue U of M card. Stop at the Registration Desk to be sure all of your demographic data is current.
   3. Bring all of your medications (or a list of them) with you. This includes anything you take intermittently or on a regular basis, as well as items that you can purchase over-the-counter and herbal & dietary supplements.
   4. If you are taking pain medication, bring the medication with you so you may take a dose prior to any procedures.
   5. If you are taking narcotic pain relievers, you must have someone else drive you home.
10. What about scarring?
    Your wounds will be closely monitored for potential scarring. If appropriate, you will be referred to a scar management program at the U of M.
    
    
11. How long will this go on and how many times will I have to be seen?
    This all depends on your injuries and how you are healing. The doctors, nurses and therapists will formulate a plan at each visit.
    
    
12. Is it going to hurt?
    All wounds need to be examined at your clinic appointment. If you require pain medication in order to have your dressing change done, you should bring it with you and take a dose just prior to your appointment.
    
    
13. Can some of my treatment be done closer to home?
    Some treatment can be monitored by your local physician and some cannot. You can discuss this at your first follow-up visit.
    
    
14. How will my primary care physician know what has happened to me?
    By providing your primary care physician's name and address, we can keep in touch and send copies of your notes to your doctor.
    
    
15. Can my family members, friends or case manager come to my appointments with me?
    Yes. Although the exam room may get crowded with more than one person, the support of others close to you is often helpful.
    
    
16. How do I pay for my appointments?
    Be sure your demographic information (address, phone number, insurance information, etc.) is updated at the Registration Desk. Your insurance will be billed first. If there is co-pay you will be expected to pay at the time of your appointment. Any bill for an outstanding balance not covered by insurance will be sent to you.
    
    
17. How do I get more wound care supplies?
    First, check with your insurance company to see if wound care supplies are a covered benefit for you. If they are, also ask if you are required to get them through a "preferred provider." Then ask the clinic nurse or physician to give you a prescription for them. If they are not covered, go to your local pharmacy or check the yellow pages under "Home Health Care Equipment & Supplies" for a supplier near you.
    
    

For Families

1. When are visiting hours?
   Visiting hours are flexible. However, our unit is closed each day from 7:00-8:00am and 7:00-8:00pm and Mondays from 8:00-10:00am. This is to ensure patient privacy during sensitive times of examination and treatment. We appreciate your understanding.
   
   
2. Can children visit patients?
   We welcome visitors of all ages. However, to protect the health of our patients, children under the age of 14 will be given a simple health screen by a staff member upon arrival.
   
   
3. Can I bring flowers, or plants into the Trauma Burn ICU?
   To prevent the risk of infection, fresh or cut flowers and plants or anything with dirt, soil or water is not permitted. Artificial flowers, balloons, treats, toys and cards are welcome!
   
   
4. Can I send correspondence to patients?
   Absolutely! Please clearly mark envelopes with the patientÕs name and room number and mail to Trauma Burn Center, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.
   
   

Please call the Trauma Burn ICU at (734) 936-9631 with specific questions regarding visiting or corresponding with your loved one in the Trauma Burn Center.

For additional patient and visitor resources, please visit the UM Health System Patient and Visitor guide.