Hospitalist Program

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the benefits of having a Hospitalist?

  Because the hospitalist is actually in the hospital at all times, he or she has added knowledge of other departments and specialties and are very accessible to hospital nursing staff. The hospitalists can help to speed your recovery and shorten your hospital stay by following up on tests and adjusting your treatment plan throughout the day. Hospitalists have systems in place to communicate with your family and your primary care doctor as needed.

• Why might I see several Hospitalists physicians during my hospital stay?

  Hospitalists cover admitted hospital patients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. Because no one person could do this on their own, they work as a team. This may result in you seeing more than one hospitalist during your stay at one of our facilities.

• What is the relationship between the Hospitalists and my primary care doctor?

  The hospitalist partners with your primary care doctor to administer and oversee your treatment while you are in the hospital, serving as your regular doctor until you are discharged. The hospitalist will see you daily and manage your conditions, contacting your primary care doctor as appropriate. When you are discharged you will return to your regular doctor or other community-based caregiver to continue your care plan.

• What if I don't have a primary care doctor?

  If you do not have a primary care provider, the hospitalist or other hospital staff can assist you in finding a doctor and the records from your hospital stay can be sent to that provider.

• How do I contact a Hospitalist?

  The best way to reach a hospitalist is through your nurse. The hospitalist will respond to you as quickly as possible.

• What is a Hospitalist?

  A hospitalist is a medical doctor who specializes in caring for hospitalized patients. Hospitalists are trained in general internal medicine and other medical specialties.