The video below provides more information about hospitalists at Mayo Clinic Health System.

Hospital Medicine services are provided by a physician called a hospitalist who specializes in treating patients in a hospital setting. At Mayo Clinic Health System, our hospitalists are board certified in family or internal medicine and are trained to treat adult medical problems.

Hospitalists receive specialized training to treat patients with multiple complex medical diagnoses. Hospitalists generally work for a week at a time to provide continuity of care. This provides prompt medical care for patients who are often quite ill. One of the main goals of a hospitalist is to provide good communication among this team, the patient and family.

Benefits of being treated by a hospitalist

In addition to have received specialized training, hospitalists are available to follow up on tests, procedures and treatments throughout the day. Hospitalists also are more available for discussions with patients and families than a physician who is based in a clinic, perhaps at some distance from the hospital.

Communication with your hospitalist

Information hospitalists need comes directly from patients, their families and health care providers. Hospitalists have direct access to your medical record from any Mayo Clinic Health System site and may contact your primary care doctor if more information is needed.

Hospitalists generally do “rounds” with patients during the day. Additional meetings can be arranged by asking your nurse. If you are a transitional care patient, you will not see the hospitalist each day, as you have moved past the need for acute care and are progressing in your recovery. However, the hospitalist is available if you have a medical need or question.

It is important for you and your family to understand your medical problems and treatment plans. Medical information can be complicated. You and your family members are encouraged to ask questions of the hospitalist so your illness and care are understood.

Discharge planning

The hospitalist team starts planning for your discharge early in your stay. You will be included in decisions about your discharge planning. When you are ready to leave the hospital, the hospitalist team will talk to your primary care doctor. If you do not have a primary care doctor, the hospitalist team will help find one for you.