Admission at Apex Group of Hospitals starts with a written admission note from the treating consultant, the OPD doctor or the emergency medical officer. The patient or a family member brings this note to the admission desk, where the team checks which beds are free and confirms the room category the patient prefers. Apex offers the General Ward, Sharing Room, Single Room and Deluxe Room, and the team allots rooms according to preference and availability. Telling the desk early which category suits the patient helps the team plan, especially for planned admissions. In an emergency, treatment comes first, and these steps follow once the patient is stable.
The admission team first looks up the patient in the hospital system, which prevents duplicate records. A patient who is visiting for the first time receives a new hospital ID before admission. The patient or an attendant then fills in and signs the admission form, and a government photo ID, such as an Aadhaar card, is collected for the file. Foreign nationals are usually asked for a passport, a copy of the visa or OCI card, and a photograph. Families can save time by also bringing the doctor’s note, earlier reports and any insurance or government scheme cards.
Before the patient moves to the ward, the admission desk explains the approximate cost of the treatment or surgery so the family knows what to expect. The final bill depends on the treatment, the doctor’s fees and the room type. A deposit may be collected according to hospital policy, and the desk can explain how it is adjusted against the final bill. Patients and families are also told about the hospital’s rules and about the patient’s rights and responsibilities. Asking questions at this stage is encouraged, because clear information about costs and rules prevents stress and misunderstandings later.
Once admission begins, the patient receives a unique inpatient (IP) number, which links every record, report and bill for that stay. The patient or an attendant signs a general consent form that covers treatment, hospital policies and financial responsibility. This is separate from the specific consent a doctor takes before a surgery or procedure. Families should read the form carefully and ask the staff to explain anything unclear, and it is useful to note the IP number for later queries. In an emergency, when there is no time for paperwork, treatment starts first and the formalities are completed afterwards.
A bed is allotted based on availability and the patient’s preference. If the preferred room is not free, the patient can choose a higher or lower category, and the desk explains the difference in charges. The admission staff then inform the ward or nursing station, prepare the patient’s file and hand it over to the ward team. Patients who cannot walk are taken to the ward by wheelchair or stretcher. Attendant passes are issued according to the room category, and single and deluxe rooms allow one attendant to stay with the patient.
When the patient reaches the ward, the nursing team receives them and completes the initial ward admission. This includes checking the pulse, temperature and breathing, noting the patient’s medical history and allergies, and showing the patient how to use the nurse call system and the room’s facilities. The patient’s records and admission forms are stored in the hospital system, and relevant details are shared with the departments involved in their care, such as the laboratory, pharmacy, and kitchen. Staff also check the patient’s identity and documents to ensure everything is accurate.
Billing and insurance checks begin soon after admission. Apex has cashless TPA insurance desks that run 24 hours a day, and the hospital also works with corporate tie-ups and government schemes such as MJPJAY and PMJAY. The desk verifies the policy or scheme card, sends the request for approval and keeps the family updated on its status. Approval depends on the insurer or scheme, and some costs may not be covered, so families should ask what is included. Keeping the insurance card, a photo ID and previous reports ready makes the process much quicker.
While the patient is in hospital, the treating consultant and the medical team provide continuing care, and the nurses continue to monitor and record the treatment. If necessary, the team may move the patient to a different ward or the ICU and let the family know. Patients can ask for a room upgrade or downgrade, which depends on bed availability. Throughout the stay, staff work to keep the patient safe and comfortable and to arrange timely medical support. Families should speak to the nurse in charge or the doctor if they have questions about treatment or charges.
Visitor access is controlled to protect patients and provide them rest. Passes are issued by the nursing station, and the number allowed depends on the room category. Single and Deluxe rooms allow one attendant to stay with the patient, while for the General Ward and Sharing Room, families should confirm the rule with the hospital. ICU visiting rules are stricter than the general rules. All visitors are expected to keep to the visiting hours, maintain proper hygiene and stay quiet and orderly in patient areas. Visitors should also return their passes when they leave.
