Hospitalists are doctors who devote their practice
to care for hospitalized patients.
Our physicians are board certified in internal medicine and see hospitalized patients who have been referred by primary care doctors, emergency room doctors, or other physicians at the hospital.
The best example of a doctor who has a role like a hospitalist is the emergency room (ER) doctor. The ER doctor takes over for your primary care doctor when you go to the emergency room, cares for you during your stay and then turns your care back over to your primary care doctor when you leave the emergency room. A hospitalist has a similar role when you are in the hospital.
The best example of a doctor who has a role like a hospitalist is the emergency room (ER) doctor. The ER doctor takes over for your primary care doctor when you go to the emergency room, cares for you during your stay and then turns your care back over to your primary care doctor when you leave the emergency room. A hospitalist has a similar role when you are in the hospital.
Why is a hospitalist caring for me?
Your own primary care physician has requested that a hospitalist be in charge of your care during the hospital stay. In this way you have the benefit of being seen by a doctor who specializes in caring for hospitalized patients. Additionally, this can enable your primary doctor to be more available to you in the office, rather than trying to go back and forth between seeing patients in the office and in the hospital.
How does the hospitalist’s practice work?
The hospitalist will be in charge of your care and will see you every day to direct your treatment while you are in the hospital. This doctor is available to you and your family to answer questions and discuss your care. The hospitalist works full-time to provide your care and attend to any emergencies that may arise. They may consult with other doctors who will participate in your care as well.
The hospitalist will make arrangements for any prescriptions you may need when you are discharged. You may be asked to make an appointment with your primary care doctor, or other doctors, soon after discharge.
The hospitalist will make arrangements for any prescriptions you may need when you are discharged. You may be asked to make an appointment with your primary care doctor, or other doctors, soon after discharge.
What if I need another specialist while in the hospital?
Consultations from other physicians are necessary in some cases and the hospitalist will arrange for these as needed.
What is the relationship between the hospitalist and my primary care physician?
Your primary care physician pre-assigns the hospitalist to be in charge of your care prior to your hospital admission, but the two doctors will work together. Your primary care physician can provide information about your past health history to the hospitalist, and the two doctors can discuss any significant findings or events. At the time of your admission and discharge the hospitalist notifies your primary care physician of your admit, informs your primary care physician of changes while you are hospitalized, and notifies your primary care physician of your discharge. The hospitalist also prepares a detailed report of findings and treatment which is sent to your primary care physician.