A hospitalist is a doctor who specializes in caring for patients while they are in the hospital. Our hospitalists are Board Certified/Board Eligible in Internal Medicine, Combined Internal Medicine/Pediatrics, or Family Practice. They also have additional training or experience in caring for hospitalized patients. Once a patient leaves the hospital, they do not continue to provide medical care to that patient. They do, however, communicate closely with your primary care physician at the time of discharge so he or she is aware of what occurred during your hospital stay. This will also help your primary care physician to seamlessly assume your care once discharged.

How does the hospitalist know about me?

Your hospitalist physician will spend extra time learning about you. At the time of your admission he or she will review any past medical records that you may have at the hospital and will gather information from you and your family. Your hospitalist physician will use all this information to help them provide you the best possible medical care.

What can I expect from my experience being cared for by a hospitalist?

You can expect your Hospitalist to treat you with kindness and respect; listen carefully to your concerns, and explain things in a way that you understand.

When will I see my primary care physician?

During the course of your hospitalization, your hospitalist and primary care physician may talk further regarding your treatment. At discharge your hospitalist will communicate with your primary care physician to discuss your further treatment needs, help arrange follow-up, and prescribe the needed medications. In addition, your hospital records will be accessible to your primary care physician. During your hospital stay, you will be seen by a Hospitalist. You will see your regular doctor shortly after discharge from the hospital.

What are the advantages of a hospitalist program?

Members of our hospitalist team have experience and expertise navigating the systems of care at a hospital. Simply put, they know how to get things done in the hospital. In addition, hospitalists spend all of their time caring for patients in the hospital, so they do not need to go back and forth between an office to see patients for appointments. This means they are available all day to answer you and your family’s questions, get immediate test results, and consult with other specialists as needed.

Because hospitalists are dedicated to seeing only hospitalized patients, your primary care doctor is able to be with you in the office with fewer delays and interruptions. Your primary care doctor will be able to devote more time to keeping you and your family healthy, and be more accessible when you need them.

What if I do not have a primary care physician?

At the time of your discharge, the hospitalist will refer you to a primary care physician and provide them with your hospital information. As ongoing medical care is necessary to keep you healthy, it is important that you establish a relationship and follow-up with a primary care physician.

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