Patients and Visitors

Masking is now optional in all areas except high-risk clinical settings for visitors and staff working with immunocompromised inpatients. These masking requirements for staff and visitors target patients at highest risk for complications from respiratory infections.

Where do people need to wear masks?

High-risk clinical settings during room entry or direct patient care in:

• Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
• Inpatient Hemodialysis
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
• Infusion Center 
• Immunocompromised inpatients*

*Both visitors and staff will need to wear masks in immunocompromised patients.  

Masking is optional in all other areas of Meriter Hospital. Masks will continue to be provided in our facilities, and you are welcome to use them when you feel the need in any area of the hospital or clinics.

Masking is REQUIRED in Meriter Clinics in the following situations:

• If you are experiencing respiratory symptoms, have a cough or cold-like symptoms.
• Have had a known COVID-19 exposure or test positive for COVID in the past 10 days.
• As instructed by care team.

• Are experiencing respiratory symptoms, have a cough or cold-like symptoms.
• Have tested positive or had a known COVID-19 exposure in the past 10 days.

Visitors under the age of 16 are welcome during visiting hours, when accompanied by an adult.

• Adult Patients (including Surgery, Psychiatry and Procedures) – Two (2) adult visitors at a time, children welcome with an adult.
• Digestive Health Center, Infusion, Medical Imaging, Cath Lab, Same Day Surgery - Two (2) adult visitors at a time, children allowed with an adult.
• Emergency Department Adult Patients - One (1) adult visitor at a time.
• Pediatric Patients (including NICU and Emergency Room) – Two (2) adult visitors at a time.
• Birth & Newborn Services (Triage, Labor and Delivery, Family Care Center)
  • Two (2) adult visitors at a time, no daily limit.
    • Note, the designated primary support person does not counts as a visitor. Two additional adult visitors are allowed at a time during visiting hours.
  • Children welcome with an adult during visiting hours.
  • Two (2) adults beyond primary support person, can be present in Labor & Delivery 24/7.
  • One (1) adult overnight is allowed in antepartum or postpartum. The designated primary support person DOES count as the one overnight support person due to space limitations.
• NICU - Four (4) visitors (16 or older) at a time, 2 adult visitors bedside at a time; additional visitors may wait in the unit visitor lounge.
• Center for Perinatal Care Clinic - Two (2) adult visitors at a time, children welcome.
• COVID-19 Positive and/or Patients being Treated for COVID-19 and/or Patients in Isolation Rooms – One adult visitor at a time.
• Patients at End-of-Life (including COVID-19 Positive Patients) – No more than four visitors allowed at any one time, in coordination with nursing team.
• While exceptions are rare, we will work collaboratively with patients to provide reasonable accommodation to support disability-related needs.
• Clergy, doulas, out-of-hospital midwives and interpreters are considered vital parts of our patients' care team and will be permitted in addition to visitors

Visitors under the age of 16 are welcome, with an adult.

• UnityPoint Health - Meriter Primary & Specialty Care Clinics - No limitations, children welcome.
• Child & Adolescent Psychiatry - Please call for visiting hours and guidelines.
• Therapy Clinics - No limitations, children welcome.
• NewStart - No limitations, children welcome.

A guest wireless network is available to patients and other visitors to our hospital and clinics. You can access this wireless network from your laptop, tablet or smartphone after accepting our terms of use.

From your device:

• Find your list of available wireless networks and select "Unity Point Guest wifi" to join.
• Once connected, a page should automatically open in your default browser that says "Public Wireless Service – Terms and Conditions of Use". Please review this and select the "Accept" button at the bottom to complete the connection.

You may need to re-connect to the network and complete the page above if you leave our hospital/clinic location.

Patient has a smartphone or tablet

If your loved one has a smartphone or tablet that has video capability, we encourage video calls. We have free public WiFi available for our patients. Any video chatting application (FaceTime, Facebook, Google Duo, Google Hangouts, Zoom, etc.) can be used on personal devices.

Patient doesn't have smartphone or tablet

If your loved one doesn't have a smartphone or tablet with video capability, we can supply one. We are unable to use many video chatting applications on a Meriter device for security reasons, but we will email you a link to a secure video chat. To request a virtual visit please call 608-417-5270 and leave a message.

What you will need:

• Internet connection
• A working email address for you and anyone else who will join the video call (multiple people can join at once)
• Access to a device (smartphone, tablet, computer) that:
  • Has a microphone (most laptops and phone do; some desktop computers don't)
  • Can display video
  • Has a camera so your loved one can see you, too (not required)

• If you are using an Apple device/Safari browser, you may need to download the Microsoft Teams app. Click this link and follow the directions. If accessing from another device or browser, you may not need to download the app.
  
  

What you will do:

• Check your email inbox for an email. The subject line will be: "You have been invited to a virtual visit"

• Click the link ("Click here to join their meeting") in the email. You will not need a username or password to enter the video chat.
  • Select "Watch on web instead" if you don't have or want to download the app
  • You can sign in to a Microsoft account or choose to "join anonymously"

• Turn on your video (1) and microphone (2) by clicking/tapping the icons. Click/tap "Join now" (3)

Watch a video on how to use Microsoft Teams

Having trouble?

• Are you connected to the internet?
• Is your microphone is turned on?
• Is your camera is turned on?

To place an order with a room service representative, please dial 7-8888 from your hospital room telephone. Room service is available 6:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. We have menus to accommodate whatever diet your doctor orders and will assist you in your choices.

• Room Service General Menu
• Room Service Heart Healthy Menu

If you have special dietary requirements that you would like us to know about prior to your hospital admission, please call (608) 417-6132.

Meriter Cafe

Open daily, the cafeteria offers a variety of freshly prepared entrees served at mealtimes along with a full-service soup and salad bar.
Premade salads and sandwiches are available throughout the day, along with a wide assortment of beverages and snacks.

• Location: Hospital, Tower, Level 1
• Meal Service: Open daily
  
• Breakfast: 6:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
  
• Lunch: 11:15 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
  
• Dinner: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Dr. Joe’s Café

Fresh lunches and breakfasts, available Monday through Friday. Enjoy hot and cold espresso drinks, local coffee, smoothies, fresh bakery, soups and sandwiches.

• Location: Hospital, Atrium Lobby, Level 2     
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
• Serving breakfast from 6:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
• Serving lunch from 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Coffee/espresso/tea drinks available during open hours 

Vending Machines

Snacks, sandwiches and beverages, accessible 24 hours/day. Cash and credit card accepted. Located directly below the lobby, accessible by Tower elevators. Exit Level 1, turn right, climb the short flight of stairs, machines are on your right. Vending machines containing snacks and drinks are also available on most patient floors.

Farmer's Fridges 

There are two new vending machines filled with fresh bowls, wraps and salads. Farmer's Fridge is now installed near the lobby between the Foundation Wall and Guest Services and in the Surgical Waiting Area next to the soda machine. These offer healthy and fresh 24/7 options for team members and visitors.

Download the Farmer's Fridge app to pre-order and pay for your meal or snack. App is not required - you can also order at the vending machine itself. When you find the machines via the app, it will ask you if you have access before you place an order -- just click "yes, I have access." This is applicable to all team members, patients and hospital visitors. Members of the public, who are not here to visit a patient, do not have access to these machines.

Patient Guide

The patient guide to surgical care booklet was developed to help you prepare for your surgery, to give you an understanding of what will happen while you are a patient, and to provide information to help speed your recovery.

Community Resources Guide

Patient Forms

• Authorization for Release of Medical Information
• Athletic Screening Form
• Consent for Treatment Form
• Consent for Treatment Form - Spanish
• Financial Notification Consent Form
• Minor Consent Form

Wisconsin-Specific Forms

Meriter recommends that adults clarify their wishes for medical care before a hospital stay. Wisconsin-specific forms are available through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website.

Health Information Management Release of Information

MyUnityPoint

MyUnityPoint is a secure patient website that allows you to access your health information from hospital stays online. Since MyUnityPoint is web-based, you can log in at any time, any place.

MyUnityPoint

COVID-19 Test Results

After receiving a COVID-19 test at a UnityPoint Health - Meriter location, results will be sent to your MyUnityPoint account. Wait times for results may vary based on testing volume. The quickest way to view your results is to monitor your MyUnityPoint account. Please do not call for test status updates. Our teams are experiencing extremely high patient volumes and may be unable to check on or share individual test results.

Requests for Medical Records

Please print and complete the Authorization for Release of Medical Information form if you wish to share records and/or receive detailed voice messages related to your health information. The form should also be used if you wish to share records with someone for whom you have legal authority (parent of minor, etc.).

Helpful Tips | Completing the Authorization Form:

• In number 2 on the authorization form, you will put "Meriter Hospital or Meriter Clinics." You are authorizing Meriter to release your records.
• In number 3 on the authorization form, you will put where you want your records sent.
• Please make sure all information is complete and legible; this will eliminate delays in your request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will I be charged for a copy of my medical records?

A: Yes, there is a charge to obtain a copy of your medical records. Meriter contracts with a third-party company, MRO, to perform our release of information services.

Q: How can I receive my medical records?

A: You have a few options to obtain a copy of your medical records;

• You may visit MyUnityPoint, our secure patient website to access your health information. Information about registering for MyUnityPoint can be found by visiting chart.myunitypoint.org. If you need assistance using or enrolling for MyUnityPoint, please call the support team at 877-224-4430.
• You may also request a copy of your medical record by contacting Meriter's Health Information Management department at (608) 417-6406. If you are a healthcare provider or records are needed today or our next business day, fax your request to (608) 417-6016 or email it to MSN_HIMROI@unitypoint.org. All other requests should be faxed to (877) 676-0484

Q. How can I transfer my medical information to Meriter?

A. There are two options for transferring your medical information to Meriter:

• If you are transferring your care to a Meriter clinic, please contact your current provider to fill out an authorization form. After you fill out the form, please send it back to your current clinic and someone at that clinic will forward the form on to your new provider at Meriter.
  
  
• If you are transferring your care to a Meriter clinic, you can fill out the Authorization/Consent for Release of Medical Information from Meriter Hospital and Clinics form that's above to request medical records from your current provider.
  
  **For question number #2 on the form, please provide information about your current primary care physician and clinic.
  **For question #3 on the form, please provide information about your new primary care physician at a UnityPoint Health – Meriter clinic.
  
  

Q: How long does it take to process my request?

A: Approximately 7-10 business days.

Q: Can a family member or friend sign a consent form for a copy of my medical records?

A: No one except for the person whose name appears on the medical record can sign the consent form. However, if the medical records are for a minor or an adult under the care of a legal guardian, the legal guardian may sign the consent form. If you are the legal guardian, we will need a copy of the guardianship papers along with the authorization form. If you are the Power Of Attorney (POA), we will need a copy of the POA and the activation form (certificate of incapacity statement) along with an authorization for Authorization for Release of Medical Information. This will allow us to process your request in a timely manner.

Q: If I had a procedure performed at another hospital, is that information in my medical records at Meriter?

A: Meriter only has medical records for procedures performed at Meriter hospital and clinics.

Q: What if I do not agree with comments made by a physician on my medical records?

A: You have the right to request an amendment to your medical record. If you would like to do so, please send your request, along with the reasoning to support the request, to:

UnityPoint Health - Meriter
ATTN: Privacy Officer
202 S. Park Street
Madison, WI 53715

Or

UPH_WIPrivacyOfficer@unitypoint.org

Contact the Meriter Privacy Officer at (608) 417-5834 if you have any questions.

The form below has been provided to assist with your request. You are not required to use this form. Meriter only requires that the request be made in writing and sent to the Meriter Privacy Officer.

• Request for Amendment of Protected Health Information

Q: Can I get a copy of my birth certificate from Meriter?

A: You need to contact the State of Wisconsin Department of Vital Records at (608) 266-1371 for information on how to receive your birth certificate.

Thank you for choosing UnityPoint Health for your care. At the time of admission to one of our affiliated hospitals (other than for emergency care) or when you seek care from some of our outpatient departments, you will be asked to agree to our "Conditions of Admission." By signing this document, you allow UnityPoint Health and its affiliates to provide you with medical care, share your health information and receive payment for the services provided.

The complete text of the UnityPoint Health Conditions of Admission is available below:

• Conditions of Admission
• Conditions of Admission (Spanish)

Except for emergency services, you are required to sign the Conditions of Admission prior to our providing health care services, so that we are able to conduct our necessary business processes.

If you have questions about making payments or financial assistance, please contact the UnityPoint Health Central Billing Office at (844) 849-1260.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as "Health Care Reform," requires most American citizens to have health insurance. Understanding your health insurance options, getting the right coverage and properly enrolling, through the Health Insurance Marketplace, can be difficult. We can help.

UnityPoint Health is committed to your health and the health of your family and community. Our Certified Application Counselors on staff can help you understand your health insurance options and make sure you are properly enrolled for the right health coverage at no cost to you.

Schedule a Free, Confidential Meeting Today!
Just call 608-417-5035 to make an appointment.

Are you in need of affordable healthcare?
Let our Certified Application Counselors help you find a plan that meets your needs.

UnityPoint Health is offering FREE assistance with enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace. The Health Insurance Marketplace is a new way to find coverage that fits your budget and meets your needs. Whether you're uninsured, or just want to explore your choices, you can find coverage that's right for you.

Our Federal and State-certified Counselors can help you:

• Understand the Marketplace's insurance options
• Determine coverage differences (bronze, silver, gold, or platinum plans)
• Determine whether you are eligible for Medicaid
• Help you research plans that best meets your needs and budget
• Determine your eligibility for financial assistance to help pay for insurance
• Complete and submit your application

It's important that you receive the care you need, when you need it. At UnityPoint Health, It's now easier than ever to schedule an appointment through our website or your MyUnityPoint account. Whether you are a current or new patient, we look forward to seeing you soon!

If you have a medical Emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

When you schedule an appointment through our online scheduling tool, you'll have the option to select one of the following visit types:

• Standard Office Visit
  Choose this visit type if you have 1 or 2 health concerns to talk to your provider about such as a sore throat, cough, headache, muscle pain, or urinary tract infection.
  
  
• Extended Office Visit
  Choose this visit type if you have multiple or more complex health concerns to talk to your providers about such as abdominal pain, multiple medication management, and/or depression/anxiety.
  
  
• New Patient Visit
  Choose this visit type if this is your first time visiting the provider or the clinic location.
  
  
• Well Child Visit
  Choose this visit type for regular check-ups and/or immunizations for children and teenagers.
  
  
• Virtual Visit
  Choose this visit type if you'd prefer a secure video session with your provider. With this option, you can stay home and get the care you need virtually. *This visit type is only available for existing patients.
  
  
• Physical Visit
  Choose this visit type if you need a back-to-school, sports or wellness physical exam.

Code Lavender is a holistic care rapid-response program to help staff in need of a calming influence after a stressful situation, such as a difficult diagnosis or the loss of a patient. A multi-disciplinary team of facilitators are trained to lead group processing sessions or meet for individual support of our caregivers.

"Whole Persons in Whole Communities"

Who We Are

The Association of Spiritual Caregivers is a professional association affiliated with UnityPoint Health - Meriter Hospital in Madison, WI. The ASC provides members with opportunities for networking and continuing education. Membership is open to any person, lay or professional, who provides spiritual care to others in a definable capacity. Current members include hospital chaplains, chaplains of correctional facilities, clergy, lay church staff, and more.

The mission of the ASC is to provide the highest possible quality of spiritual care in the healing ministries of UnityPoint Health – Meriter; to provide opportunities for area clergy, chaplains, spiritual leaders, and others to grow in their knowledge and understanding in regard to issues of health and healing; and to assist community organizations in their efforts to be centers of healing. It is the ASC's belief that true healing takes place within the broadest contexts of life, in which the whole person is viewed in relationship to self, family, community, environment, and the Divine.

How to Join the ASC

If you would like to join the ASC, please fill out the application that's below and send it to meriterasc@gmail.com. We will review your application and notify you of your acceptance. If you have any questions, please call (608) 417-6480.