What are the early signs of burnout that can lead to hospitalization. How can you recognize and address symptoms of exhaustion before they become severe. What strategies can help prevent burnout and maintain workplace wellness.

The Myth of Burnout Immunity: My Personal Journey to Hospitalization

One of the most pervasive misconceptions about burnout is that it cannot occur if you genuinely enjoy your work. My experience serves as a stark contradiction to this belief. In 2015, I was celebrating a decade as the advertising head for the world’s largest eyewear company. On the surface, my professional life seemed idyllic – I had supportive bosses, an inspiring team, engaging projects, creative freedom, and the opportunity to travel globally while living in picturesque Italy. I believed I was living the professional dream.

However, my body was desperately trying to communicate that all was not well, sending warning signals I tragically failed to recognize. The situation culminated one morning when I awoke to find myself unable to see out of my right eye. What followed was a grueling 10-day period of extensive medical testing to rule out serious conditions such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, and various autoimmune or neurological diseases. After all tests came back negative, the medical professionals concluded that my vision loss might be stress-related.

The Physical Toll of Chronic Stress: When Your Body Demands Attention

Fortunately, my vision returned after several weeks of rest. However, my drive to resume my previous lifestyle did not. This experience prompted me to prioritize my health and contemplate the next chapter of my life. Motivated by my personal ordeal and a desire to help others avoid similar fates, I pursued further education in the neuroscience and psychology of mental health, ultimately earning a master’s degree in Organizational Psychology.

This academic journey led me to establish Moodally, an innovative app and group training program. Moodally utilizes creative, science-based strategies to help individuals better recognize and actively change their moods in real-time. Through my studies, I gained invaluable insights into the myriad biological and neurological processes affected by stress and the numerous ways it can manifest in the body.

Morning Fatigue: The Silent Scream of an Overtaxed System

One of the most apparent early indicators of burnout is consistently waking up without energy despite a full night’s sleep. This manifests as sitting on the edge of your bed, head in hands, feeling utterly incapable of facing the day ahead. For months preceding my vision loss, each morning felt like a Herculean effort to rise and go to work, even though I enjoyed my job and colleagues once I arrived.

This persistent morning fatigue likely resulted from a cortisol plateau. Cortisol, often referred to as the “stress hormone,” is typically released during stressful situations to provide energy. It also plays a crucial role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Under normal circumstances, a spike in cortisol levels occurs upon waking, promoting a feeling of alertness. However, prolonged stress can lead to such elevated cortisol levels that the body becomes unable to produce the usual morning surge.

How can you differentiate between occasional tiredness and burnout-related exhaustion?

While occasional exhaustion from a poor night’s sleep or a hectic week is normal, consistent and prolonged fatigue is a red flag. If you find yourself regularly struggling to start your day, it’s a clear sign that your sympathetic nervous system requires more downtime. Many driven individuals, especially small business owners and passionate creatives, mistakenly believe that exhaustion is an inevitable part of pursuing their goals. However, persistent fatigue should not be ignored or normalized.

The Paradox of Boredom: When Passion Turns to Indifference

Another common harbinger of impending burnout is a profound sense of boredom. When individuals express a desire for significant change or hope for a disruptive event to “shuffle the cards,” it often indicates a need to address their mental health before making drastic life changes.

Despite my general satisfaction with my job, after a decade in the same role, each day began to feel monotonous. On a deeper level, I found myself growing weary of contributing to the wealth of billionaires and questioning whether I could apply my talents to more meaningful pursuits. Increasingly, I struggled to feel enthusiastic about my projects and to generate innovative ideas.

What neurochemical imbalance might contribute to feelings of boredom and lack of motivation?

This pervasive sense of boredom and lack of enthusiasm can be linked to a deficiency in dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with motivation, pleasure, and reward. When dopamine levels are low, activities that once brought joy and excitement may feel dull and unrewarding. This neurochemical imbalance can significantly impact one’s ability to engage with work and find fulfillment in daily tasks.

Physical Symptoms: The Body’s Desperate Plea for Attention

Burnout often manifests through various physical symptoms that may seem unrelated to stress at first glance. In my case, I experienced persistent stomach issues, including frequent bouts of nausea. Additionally, I developed a chronic eye twitch that would not subside. These physical manifestations were my body’s way of signaling that something was seriously amiss.

It’s crucial to recognize that our bodies often communicate distress through physical symptoms when our minds are in denial or unable to process the extent of our stress. Paying attention to these bodily signals can provide early warning signs of impending burnout, allowing for intervention before the situation escalates to a critical point.

What are some common physical symptoms of chronic stress and burnout?

• Persistent headaches or migraines
• Gastrointestinal issues (e.g., nausea, indigestion, changes in appetite)
• Muscle tension and pain, particularly in the neck and shoulders
• Sleep disturbances (insomnia or oversleeping)
• Unexplained fatigue or weakness
• Frequent illnesses due to a weakened immune system
• Skin problems (e.g., acne flare-ups, eczema)
• Heart palpitations or chest pain

If you experience any of these symptoms persistently, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out other underlying conditions and address potential burnout.

Emotional Volatility: When Stress Hijacks Your Mood

As burnout progresses, it often leads to increased emotional instability. I found myself experiencing sudden mood swings, becoming irritable over minor issues, and struggling to maintain my usual level of patience and composure. These emotional fluctuations can strain personal and professional relationships, further exacerbating stress levels.

Emotional volatility in the context of burnout is often a result of chronic stress overwhelming the body’s regulatory systems. The constant activation of the stress response can lead to dysregulation of neurotransmitters and hormones that influence mood and emotional stability.

How can you manage emotional volatility during periods of high stress?

1. Practice mindfulness and meditation to increase self-awareness and emotional regulation
2. Engage in regular physical exercise to release endorphins and reduce stress
3. Prioritize adequate sleep to support emotional resilience
4. Seek support from trusted friends, family, or a mental health professional
5. Implement stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation
6. Set boundaries to protect your emotional well-being in both personal and professional contexts

Cognitive Decline: When Your Mental Sharpness Dulls

One of the most insidious effects of burnout is its impact on cognitive function. As my stress levels escalated, I noticed a significant decline in my ability to concentrate, make decisions, and solve problems effectively. Tasks that once came easily suddenly required immense effort, and I found myself making uncharacteristic mistakes.

This cognitive decline is a direct result of the brain’s response to chronic stress. Prolonged exposure to stress hormones can actually change the structure and function of the brain, particularly in areas responsible for memory, attention, and executive function.

What strategies can help combat stress-induced cognitive decline?

• Prioritize tasks and break them into smaller, manageable chunks
• Take regular breaks to allow your brain to rest and recharge
• Engage in activities that challenge your brain, such as puzzles or learning a new skill
• Maintain a healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and other brain-boosting nutrients
• Practice good sleep hygiene to support cognitive function
• Consider cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to develop coping strategies for stress

The Importance of Self-Care: Strategies for Preventing Burnout

In the aftermath of my burnout experience, I’ve developed a keen awareness of the importance of self-care and stress management. Implementing a consistent self-care routine is crucial for maintaining mental and physical well-being, especially for those in high-stress professions or running their own businesses.

What are some effective self-care strategies for preventing burnout?

1. Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life
2. Practice regular meditation or mindfulness exercises
3. Engage in physical activities you enjoy, such as yoga, running, or dancing
4. Nurture supportive relationships and maintain social connections
5. Pursue hobbies and interests outside of work
6. Prioritize adequate sleep and maintain a consistent sleep schedule
7. Practice gratitude and positive self-talk
8. Seek professional help when needed, such as therapy or coaching

Remember, self-care is not selfish; it’s essential for maintaining your health, productivity, and ability to care for others.

The Role of Organizational Culture in Burnout Prevention

While individual self-care practices are crucial, it’s equally important to recognize the role that organizational culture plays in either fostering or preventing burnout. Companies and leaders have a responsibility to create work environments that prioritize employee well-being and promote sustainable productivity.

How can organizations contribute to burnout prevention?

• Implement flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance
• Provide resources for mental health support and stress management
• Encourage regular breaks and time off
• Foster a culture of open communication about workload and stress
• Offer professional development opportunities to prevent stagnation
• Recognize and reward employee contributions beyond financial incentives
• Lead by example in prioritizing self-care and work-life balance

By creating a supportive organizational culture, companies can not only prevent burnout but also boost employee engagement, productivity, and retention.

The Journey to Recovery: Rebuilding After Burnout

Recovering from burnout is a journey that requires patience, self-compassion, and a commitment to long-term change. In my case, the road to recovery involved not only addressing my immediate health concerns but also reevaluating my career path and life priorities.

What steps can individuals take to recover from burnout?

1. Acknowledge the reality of your burnout and give yourself permission to recover
2. Seek professional help from therapists, coaches, or medical professionals as needed
3. Identify and address the root causes of your burnout
4. Implement lifestyle changes to support your physical and mental health
5. Reassess your values and align your life and work with what truly matters to you
6. Develop new skills and coping strategies to prevent future burnout
7. Practice self-compassion throughout the recovery process

Remember that recovery is not linear, and it’s okay to have setbacks along the way. The key is to maintain a commitment to your well-being and continue moving forward, even if progress feels slow at times.

The Silver Lining: Personal Growth and Transformation

While my experience with burnout was undoubtedly challenging, it ultimately led to significant personal growth and positive life changes. Through this ordeal, I gained a deeper understanding of myself, my values, and my true passions. This self-awareness enabled me to make meaningful changes in my career and lifestyle that have resulted in greater fulfillment and purpose.

How can individuals find meaning and growth through their burnout experience?

• Reflect on the lessons learned from your burnout journey
• Use your experience to develop greater empathy for others facing similar challenges
• Explore new interests or passions that emerged during your recovery
• Share your story to help others recognize and prevent burnout
• Embrace the opportunity for personal reinvention and growth
• Develop a renewed appreciation for self-care and work-life balance
• Use your insights to become an advocate for mental health and well-being in your community or workplace

While burnout is a painful experience, it can also serve as a catalyst for positive change and personal transformation. By heeding the warning signs and taking proactive steps to prevent and address burnout, we can create more sustainable, fulfilling lives and careers.

Burnout Sent Me to the Hospital. Here are the Signs I Look Out for Now

One of the biggest myths about burnout is that it can’t happen if you love the work that you’re doing. I am certainly proof positive of the opposite.

In 2015, I was celebrating 10 years of working as the head of advertising for the largest eyewear company in the world. On the surface, I actively loved what I was doing. I had fantastic bosses and an amazing team who I learned from every day. I got to work on interesting projects and was given a lot of creative freedom and opportunity to experiment. I was living in beautiful Italy and regularly traveled around the world for work. All in all, I thought I was living the professional dream.

But my body was sending me warning signs that things weren’t as great as I made them out to be, signs I unfortunately didn’t even know to look out for. I’ll share more about those in a minute, but it all came to a head when I woke up one morning and couldn’t see out of my right eye. What followed was 10 days of extensive testing to rule out all possible causes: MS, stroke, and other autoimmune or neurological diseases. Finally, when I tested negative for everything else, the doctors concluded that my vision loss might be stress-related.

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A post shared by Erika Ferszt 🌟Workplace Wellness Expert (@moodally.wellness)

Thankfully, my vision came back after a few weeks of rest—but my drive to return to the way things had been did not. I took more time off to prioritize my health and consider what I wanted to do with the next chapter of my life. Based on my own experience and desire to help others avoid a similar fate, I decided to go back to school to study the neuroscience and psychology of mental health, ultimately getting a master’s degree in Organizational Psychology. Since then, I’ve started Moodally, an app and group training program that uses creative and science-backed strategies to help people better recognize their moods and change them in real time.

Throughout my studies, I learned about all the biological and neurological processes that are affected by stress and the dozens of ways it can show up in the body. Looking back, I can now see the warning signs my body was trying to send me—signs I now keep an eye out for as a busy small business owner. Here they are, along with some of the strategies I now use to keep my stress in check in those moments.

I Was Waking Up With No Energy Every Morning

One of the clearest early signs of burnout is regularly waking up after a full night’s sleep and immediately having no energy: I’m talking sitting on the edge of your bed, head between your hands, not feeling like you can possibly face the day.

For months before I lost my vision, every day felt like a Herculean effort to get out of bed and to get to work. Even though I enjoyed the work I was doing and the people I was with once I got there, getting started each morning took everything out of me.

I now know that I was likely experiencing a cortisol plateau. Cortisol is sometimes known as the “stress hormone” because it’s released during times of stress to give you energy to deal with the situation, but it’s also closely tied to your sleep-wake cycle. Normally, you get a spike of cortisol first thing in the morning to give you a feeling of wakefulness. But, if you’ve had ongoing stress, your body has released so much cortisol that it has nowhere to go.

Too many people, especially small business owners or passionate creatives, think exhaustion is a necessary part of working hard toward something we care about. While it can happen occasionally from a bad night of sleep or a busy week and not be a sign of burnout, if it’s happening consistently over time, I know it means that something needs to shift so that my sympathetic nervous system gets the down time it needs.

I Was Feeling Incredibly Bored With My Day-to-Day

Another common sign that burnout is brewing is a deep feeling of boredom. When I hear people wonder when things are going to change or wish for some sort of disruptive event to shuffle the cards, I often suggest they need to care for their mental health before they make any drastic changes.

Even though I was generally very happy with my job, I’d been there for 10 years, and every day was starting to feel the same. On a deeper level, I was getting tired of making billionaires more billions and wondering if there was something more meaningful I could do with my talents. It was getting harder and harder to feel excited about the projects I was working on and continue bringing my best creative ideas.

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A post shared by Erika Ferszt 🌟Workplace Wellness Expert (@moodally. wellness)

I now understand that this was related to a lack of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter some call our brain’s “reward center,” playing a huge role in pleasure and motivation. When we succeed at something at work, we get a hit of dopamine, which motivates us forward. But, when we do the same thing over and over again, even if those things are successful, we don’t get the same dopamine response because we’ve already done it. That makes it harder to feel motivated to keep showing up day after day.

Our dopamine system loves new successes and challenges, so persistent boredom can be a clue that you need to change up your work to avoid getting tired of doing it. Even now, as a small business owner with new challenges every day, this boredom can creep in. Instead of seeing it as a sign that I need to completely overhaul my life, I recognize it as an opportunity to make small tweaks to keep myself engaged in working towards my mission.

I Was More Cynical and Irritable

Finally, a common early warning sign of burnout is a shift in personality, often causing people to become more cynical and jaded and more easily irritated.

Before I lost my vision, I noticed myself dwelling on problems instead of being solution-oriented. Whereas I used to have an attitude of “we can do it!”, I started thinking things like, “I doubt that’s going to work” or “what’s even the point?” It was even worse when someone would ask me for help with something: I lacked the energy or the desire to go to bat for them.

It took me the entire process of healing to realize that I was unable to care for others because I wasn’t taking care of myself. I was taking multiple flights a week, sleeping on planes, not eating well, not exercising. In addition to exacerbating my exhaustion and lack of motivation, it meant I didn’t have any spare energy to give to others. If you think of energy like a well of water, I was giving and giving and giving my water until I was dried up, and then getting mad at others for taking my water, instead of realizing the core issue was that I wasn’t doing anything to protect or replenish it.

instagram.com/p/COIbspeK3Cc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading” data-instgrm-version=”14″>

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A post shared by Erika Ferszt 🌟Workplace Wellness Expert (@moodally.wellness)

Now, when I find myself unable to see solutions or getting frustrated more easily, I know it’s a sign that I probably need to prioritize my own needs.

As so many entrepreneurs know, running a business is stressful, and burnout is always a risk. But now that I know these early warning signs, I can turn things around before they get really bad. I can step away for a few hours or days to care for my needs and let my cortisol levels calm down. (Pro tip: Unless you’re saving lives, nothing is truly so urgent that you can’t ask for more time so you can care for yourself.) I can reframe what I “have to” do as what I “choose to” do, which helps me understand what I need to say no to and reprioritize so I have work I’m excited about.  

Or I can just spend some time doing something that brings me joy with no other goal than filling my well back up—so that I can go back to the work I care so deeply about refreshed and with a better mind to get things done

Burnout put me in the hospital but I learned healthy work-life balance

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By Alice Merron 6 minute Read

In my corporate job, I was turning up and smiling at parties, but inside I was burning out and only just treading water. It all felt like too much. I was too far past my boundaries and saw my only choice as quitting. I barely spoke about my situation except to laugh off how awful it was.

I’d wake up exhausted, dreading the day, already stressed, with my to-do list already consuming my thoughts.

• I was overwhelmed.
• I lacked motivation and concentration.
• I felt an emptiness with regard to caring about my work.
• I felt very negative about the tasks I had to complete.
• Most of my day was spent on tasks I had little interest in and made me exhausted to even think about.
• I felt a loss of interest in most things in my life.
• I became withdrawn and made excuses because I was embarrassed to say that I didn’t have the energy to get out of bed.
• I became short-tempered, frustrated, pessimistic, guilty, angry, and irritable.
• I wanted to cry (and often did) at just the thought of having to go back to work the next day. I’d also cry if anyone asked how I was.
• I felt fatigued, physically weak, and my immune system suffered.

Life is too short for feeling like this so often.

When I didn’t take notice of my emotions, my body started sending me messages too. My illnesses were physical manifestations of the thoughts and struggles I was having inside.

Thankfully, I went to the hospital in time. The doctor’s advice was to stop working, take more breaks, and change my lifestyle. But I disregarded that, even after he ordered my MRI scan. I had to get my work done. There was no question about taking a step back in my mind.

When the test results came in, the next stage of my life was set in motion. The doctor told me that the level of stress I’d experienced for such an extended period of time was so extreme that it had physically damaged the tissues in my body. The sustained level of the stress hormone cortisol I had for such an extended period of time meant that my organs, muscles, etc. were severely weakening.

He gave me an ultimatum:

“Either change your lifestyle or I staple your organs to your ribcage to keep them in place. Your tissues are weakening at such a rate that I’d have to perform surgery that I usually only recommend for 80-year-olds. But when 80-year-olds have this surgery, they don’t have to live another 50 years with stapled organs.”

I quit.

It’s easy to lose yourself in your work in a culture that values success, achievement, and productivity. You might feel that pressure to push yourself harder and faster but everyone has a limit and it’s most certainly not one-speed-fits-all. If we weren’t too distracted with work, deadlines, and home life, we’d react to the symptoms in a healthier way. Burning out is a signal that you need to change it up. What you are currently doing is clearly not working for you.

When I burned out to the extreme, I thought I’d be perceived as weak compared to my colleagues who seemed to be coping. The stigma around burnout led me to compare myself to others and perceive burnout as a weakness. But behind the scenes, we all have very different things to deal with including our upbringing, definitions of success, boundaries, motivations, expectations of ourselves, etc. We can get so caught up in our own experiences that we forget this. Did you ever consider that burning out is like lighting a bonfire to burn away all of the beliefs and ideas that aren’t serving you anymore?

If your current work is leading you to despair, burn the belief that working all hours is making you more productive and that you can get more done.

If your social life is deteriorating as work consumes more of your time, rewrite the script on how much you’re willing to sacrifice your valuable time for this work.

We react to situations physically for a reason, so when burnout hits, think to yourself: Why is my body sending me these messages of exhaustion, fatigue, emptiness, etc.? and take action to flip the narrative.

Change up the questions you’re asking yourself

Instead of: What am I doing with my life?
Ask yourself: What can I do every day that makes me feel fulfilled?

Action step: Make a list of what lights you up. Review your list and set an intention each day to do one thing on your list that lights you up. Create a plan to incorporate the things you love into your career whenever possible. Consult with a coach if this will help you to streamline your decision-making process regarding your career.

Instead of: Why is my job so awful?
Ask yourself: What do I need in a job to make me enjoy it? What is a nonnegotiable in my job that I won’t work without, e.g., connection, healthy culture, work-life flexibility?

Action step: Identify the pertinent aspects by asking yourself what would cause you to leave this job.

Instead of: I feel so drained, so fatigued, and I am struggling.
Ask yourself: What are these symptoms trying to tell me? Am I overworked, do I need to change my hours, my job, my schedule?

Action step: Reach out to get help. Don’t stay in this place of struggling for longer than is necessary for you to learn the lesson that something needs to change.

Instead of: Why am I in this awful role?
Ask yourself: How can I make this into an experience I want to be in?

Action step: Write out which experiences would provide you with the most value. Consider your skills, achievements, and interests to determine which role might suit you better. Consult with a coach if you’d like support with designing your next steps in a healthy way.

Instead of: Why do my hours feel so endless?
Ask yourself: How can I reduce my hours while still being productive? In other words, how can I change my environment and organization to improve my working hours?

Action steps:

• Identify the time of day that you’re most productive.
• Remove all other commitments during those productive hours to complete your work. Block out time in your calendar for this deep, uninterrupted work to happen.
• Switch up your environment. Are your notifications loud, your emails and your door always open? Are these distractions aiding you or causing your work to take more time to complete?
• Pay close attention to the questions you ask yourself and what you tell yourself is “normal. ”

Remember that this isn’t just a corporate problem. It’s particularly important to recognize burnout now when working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. When you fuse home and work life with these added distractions, it can be easy to overlook the symptoms that are adding up.

By monitoring your symptoms and taking action as early as possible, you not only ease the pressure on yourself but you can turn the situation around to find yourself enjoying daily life instead.

There is light on the other side of burnout; that’s why it’s there. It highlights what’s not right for you and directs you back toward a lifestyle that serves you better.

Alice Merron is a former senior associate at a Big Four accounting firm and is now a master practitioner in Neuro Linguistic Programming and a transformation coach.

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Indications for hospitalization of the neurological department

Hospitalization

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INFOGRAPHICS

Sometimes there are situations when the patient needs to be hospitalized. What is hospitalization, and in what cases is it applicable. Hospitalization is the placement of a patient in a hospital of a medical organization of private or state ownership. Depending on the method of delivery of the patient to the hospital and his condition, there are two main types of hospitalization of patients:

1. emergency hospitalization – a person is in an acute condition, which poses a serious threat to his health or life;

2. planned hospitalization – the term of admission to the hospital is agreed in advance with the doctor.

Ways of hospitalization of a citizen in a hospital:

1. ambulance: in case of accidents, injuries, acute diseases and exacerbation of chronic diseases;

2. in the direction of an outpatient clinic for planned hospitalization. Also, the direction can be issued by a medical and rehabilitation expert commission or a military registration and enlistment office;

3. hospitalization “by gravity” – with the patient’s independent treatment in the emergency department of the hospital in case of deterioration of his health;

4. transfer to another medical institution if specialized assistance is needed or the temporary closure of the medical organization where the patient was before.

Indications for hospitalization and timing

Emergency hospitalization.

Indications: acute diseases, exacerbations of chronic diseases, conditions requiring intensive care and round-the-clock medical supervision, other conditions that threaten the life and health of the patient or the life and health of others.

E emergency inpatient medical care is provided without delay – around the clock and without hindrance to anyone who needs it.
Hospitalization in a hospital for emergency indications is carried out at the direction of doctors of medical organizations of any form of ownership (including individual entrepreneurs engaged in medical activities), at the direction of paramedics-obstetricians, ambulance teams (medical, feldsher). CHI policy is not required in such cases
(Federal Law 326-FZ “On Compulsory Medical Insurance in the Russian Federation”). It is enough to go to the emergency department of the hospital or call an ambulance on your own.

Planned hospitalization – diagnostics and treatment requiring round-the-clock medical supervision. This type of treatment in a hospital is preceded by an examination by specialists, including the delivery of tests, x-rays, CT, MRI, etc.

Planned hospitalization is carried out within the time limits established by the territorial program of state guarantees for the provision of medical care, but not more than 30 days from the date the attending physician issues a referral for hospitalization
(with the exception of high-tech medical care, in the provision of which the terms may be exceeded).

In the direction of the clinic issued to the patient, the hospital doctor indicates the date of the planned hospitalization. Planned hospitalization is carried out if the patient has the following documents: a passport or other identity document, a valid compulsory medical insurance policy, a referral from a medical organization for primary health care, the results of diagnostic studies that can be carried out on an outpatient basis.

In the event of a planned hospitalization of a patient, the scope and timing of treatment and diagnostic measures are determined after the patient is examined by a doctor on the day of admission in accordance with the approved standards for the provision of medical care, patient management protocols, and the patient’s condition.

In case of violation of the terms of hospitalization

If it is impossible to comply with the stipulated waiting periods, the patient must be provided with the necessary medical care in other medical organizations operating in the CHI system.

If the deadlines are violated or if the patient does not know how long to wait, then, as advised by the Ministry of Health, you must immediately contact the employees of the medical insurance organization in which the patient is insured or the territorial CHI fund.

Hospital selection

During planned hospitalization . With a planned form of hospitalization, the choice of a medical organization is carried out in the direction of the attending physician . However, if several medical organizations providing medical care in the relevant profile take part in the implementation of the territorial program of state guarantees of free medical care for citizens, the treating , the doctor is obliged to inform the patient about which hospitals operating in the CHI system provide the necessary medical care, and give a referral to the hospital chosen by the patient .

For advice on choosing a hospital, the patient can also contact his insurance company. If the doctor does not want to discuss possible options and give a referral based on your choice, then the patient should contact the head of the department, the head physician of the polyclinic, or their insurance company.

In case of emergency hospitalization. The right to choose a hospital in the CHI system is valid not only for planned hospitalization, but only if it is not a threat to the patient’s life. In a life-threatening condition, the patient must be taken as soon as possible to the nearest hospital providing assistance of the required profile.