FAQs
What is a Hospitalist?
A hospitalist is a physician who specializes in caring for patients while they are in the hospital. Our hospitalists are board-certified in internal medicine, although some are pediatricians and family medicine physicians, trained to treat common and complex medical conditions. Typically, hospitalists do not see patients outside the hospital so they are able to give their complete attention to their hospitalized patients. A hospitalist is available 24/7 to provide care to patients in the hospital.
What are the benefits of being cared for by a hospitalist?
Hospitalists are an important part of your care team because the hospital (inpatient) setting often creates different patient-care situations than those in the clinic (outpatient) setting. Working day in and day out within the fast-paced, often intense, hospital environment, hospitalists gain unique expertise and experience that benefits patients when they are in the hospital.
- Hospitalists work only in the hospital and are available, on-site, 24 hours-a-day.
- Hospitalists are easily accessible in emergencies or when questions arise.
- Hospitalists are familiar with our hospital processes and procedures. This allows them to easily order tests, consult other specialists and adjust treatments.
How does the Hospitalist work with my doctor?
Hospitalists partner with your primary care physicians to care for you should you require hospitalization, and work to ensure a smooth transfer of care between inpatient and outpatient settings. Often, a hospitalist will meet with you before a surgery, including preoperative evaluations, and later during follow up postoperative care.
Hospitalists work closely with surgeons and other specialty and sub-specialty physicians. They also coordinate communication with referring physicians to assure continuity of care before, during and after your hospital stay. In some cases, hospitalists may work with patients who are preparing to move from the hospital to a nursing home or an assisted-care facility, to help smooth the transition from one care environment to another.