Welcome to the OHSU Brain Institute. We know hospitals and clinics can be overwhelming, especially when you or a family member are ill. We want to help you feel less worried and give you the information you need.

Who provides your medical care?

At the OHSU Brain Institute, your neurologist or neurosurgeon may diagnose your condition and direct your treatment. A neurosurgeon is a doctor with advanced specialty training in surgery for brain and nervous system conditions. A neurologist is a doctor who has advanced specialty training in treating brain and nervous system conditions in other (non-surgical) ways. Depending on your condition, you might see both types of doctors.  

Your neurologist usually leads your healthcare team. He or she works with you and other OHSU Brain Institute team members to develop the best treatment plan for you. Our staff will help coordinate your appointments, tests and treatments, including visits to other OHSU doctors or clinics. If you or your loved one have brain surgery, a neurosurgeon will do the surgery.

During all stages of your diagnosis and treatment, your OHSU Brain Institute team will stay in close contact with your primary care doctor or other primary care provider. If you have an OHSU primary care provider, they have access to your electronic medical records and can see them 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Pre-registration

When your doctor schedules you for an office visit, procedure, or hospital stay at OHSU, we try to contact you before you come to get basic information, such as your name, address and insurance information. This is called pre-registration.

Other ways to pre-register

Online
Pre-register online

By phone
503-494-8927 (for an overnight stay or day surgery)
503-494-8505 (for a clinic visit)

In person (if you are being admitted for a hospital visit)
Visit the Admitting Office, located on the 9th floor of OHSU Hospital

OHSU Pre-Admit Testing clinic

If you are having surgery, you may have an appointment in the OHSU Pre-Admit Testing clinic. During this visit you will be directed to the admitting desk where an admitting representative will pre-register you for your surgery.

Arriving for your hospital stay

You need someone to bring you to the hospital. Your driver may park free in the patient parking garage under the Physicians Pavilion on the day you come and the day you go home. You may also take a Tri-Met bus or taxi to the hospital.

To find your way to and around OHSU, visit Getting to OHSU. 

If you need more help, call 503-494-8311.

What to bring with you:

• Money for any insurance co-payment or deductible if you have one
• Personal toiletries (toothbrush, comb)
• Robe and slippers
• Insurance information

What to leave at home:

• Valuables, including money (other than money for your insurance co-payment or deductible), wallet or purse, credit cards or jewelry
• Electrical appliances such as a hair dryer, curling iron or electric shaver 
• Medications (unless your doctor asks you to bring them) 

Checking in for surgery

Please ask your doctor when you should check in.

Surgery and admission check in

OHSU Patient Access Services, 9th floor, OHSU Hospital, main lobby
Open from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.
Call 503-494-8927 for more information.

Doernbecher patient access services main lobby

Open from 5:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Call 503-418-5313 for more information.

Day surgery check in at Casey Eye Institute

Casey Eye Institute, 6th floor surgery check in
Open for surgery check in at 6 a.m., Monday through Thursday.
Call 503-494-5191 for more information.

Day surgery check in on Multnomah Pavilion, 4th floor

Open from 5:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
For more information call 503-494-1102.

Financial matters

If you have medical insurance, an insurance verification specialist (IVS) will confirm that your insurance authorizes (approves) your treatment. The IVS will also check to make sure you have any referrals you need from your primary care provider (PCP).

If you do not have health insurance or your insurance does not cover (pay for) your treatment, an IVS can help find out if you qualify for financial assistance from the hospital.

If you don't qualify for financial assistance from the hospital, the IVS will talk with you about payment before your treatment. If you do qualify for financial assistance from the hospital, the IVS will tell you how much the discount is.

If you might qualify for the Oregon Health Plan or another Medicaid program, the IVS will refer you to our Finance and Medicaid Services office (F&MS). An F&MS representative will help you apply for these programs.

Visit Billing and insurance for more information