WHAT IS A HOSPITALIST?
Just as there are physician specialists for your knees, heart, and eyes, there are also physicians known as hospitalists, who specialize in caring for you when you are hospitalized.
WHAT DOES A HOSPITALIST DO?
Your own primary care provider may request that a hospitalist be in charge of your care during your hospital stay. If that is the case, you have the benefit of being seen by a physician whose practice is entirely focused on the care of a hospitalized patient. If you did not have a primary care physician and came to the Emergency Department, a hospitalist will be involved in every aspect of your hospital stay, including;
- Collaborating with other physician specialists, case managers, nurses and others who might be involved in your care
- Ordering tests, medications, and treatments
- Communicating regularly with you, your family, and your primary care physician (if you have one)
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A HOSPITAL BASED PHYSICIAN?
First priority
You are the hospitalist’s first priority. No matter what time of day, a hospitalist is always avaliable. They possess current clinical knowledge to ensure best practice in hospital care.
Quality care
In case of emergency while you are hospitalized, your hospitalist is nearby and can respond quickly to changes in your condition and will follow up on tests and adjust treatment throughout the day as necessary. Your hospitalist knows every specialist and department in the hospital.
On-site care
It is difficult for your primary care physician to see patients in the office and in the hospital at the same time. The in-hospital hospitalist can give discharge approval sooner and get you on your way home earlier.
Improved communication
You and their family members have the opportunity for more frequent one-to-one contact with the hospitalist, ensuring that your questions are promptly answered.
Shorter wait time for a bed
The hospitalist speeds up the process of getting you admitted from the Emergency Department.
NO PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN?
If you do not have a primary care physician, the hospitalist will coordinate referral to one of our affiliated physicians or one of your choice.
HOW TO CONTACT YOUR HOSPITALIST
Ask your nurse to page the hospitalist on duty or call to leave a message at ext. 7158.