When you come to SkyRidge, one of our registration clerks will ask you for certain personal and financial information necessary for the medical center, your insurance company and your physician. This information is confidential and becomes a permanent part of your medical record.

At registration, you will be asked to sign for the medical center staff to treat you under the direction of your physician and a promise to pay for services received. If you do not have hospitalization insurance, you will also be asked to make a deposit.

The clerk will ask whether you have in place a document that designates a durable power of attorney for healthcare. Such documents convey your wishes concerning your healthcare.

Have you and your immediate family members talked about how each of you would want to be cared for in the event of a potential "end of life" healthcare situation? Recent changes in Tennessee laws recognize specific ways anyone can create advance directives for healthcare decision-making.