A hospitalist is a physician who specializes in caring for patients during their stay in the hospital. The hospitalist’s primary focus is internal medicine, which involves the medical care of a patient from the time of admission until the patient leaves the hospital. The hospitalist reviews a new patient’s past medical records, consults with primary care physicians, and performs a comprehensive history and physical examination when a patient is admitted. The hospitalist coordinates medical care while patients are admitted and is available to spend time with the patient and their family to discuss the patient’s care. The hospitalist also works with nurses, case managers, and other physicians to design and coordinate an individual treatment plan for each patient.
We have several hospitalists on staff, which means patients may have more than one hospitalist manage their care during their stay. Hospitalists do not have a medical practice outside the hospital and focus solely on caring for patients admitted to the hospital.
Our Team
When you are admitted, a hospitalist on our staff will be your attending physician. Your hospitalist will be in contact with your primary care physician and will work closely with any specialists, consulting physicians, case managers, social workers or other medical providers who may be involved in your care. Our hospitalists lead the care team to ensure that you receive the highest quality care while you are in the hospital.
About Us
Hospitalists at The Queen’s Medical Center provide an efficient level of care to all patients, which means your length of stay in the hospital is often shorter, getting you back home sooner. These physicians monitor your daily care to ensure that coordinated efforts during your stay get you back to an optimal level of health. As daily medical care is no longer required, studies show that patients can often make a better recovery at home. When it is determined that you are ready to discharged, your primary care physician will be updated on your progress and discharge plan.
Benefits of a Hospitalist
Throughout a patient’s hospital stay, a hospitalist is available to each patient and their family as needed. He or she will discuss the plan of care with the patient and can provide further explanation to any questions regarding the care plan. The average length of stay for a hospitalized patient can be significantly lessened when care is managed and coordinated by the hospitalist team.
With hospitalist coverage 24 hours a day, there is continuous oversight of care. If you need to speak to a hospitalist, simply ask one of our nurses to page him or her.
How Does a Hospitalist Work With My Primary Care Provider?
The hospitalist is in charge of a patient’s care while in the hospital, but the patient’s primary care provider is welcome to check on him or her and discuss the patient’s care with the hospitalist during their stay. All pertinent information regarding a patient’s hospital stay will be shared with his or her primary care provider.
What Happens After Discharge from the Hospital?
After patients are discharged, follow-up care should be discussed with their primary care physician regarding any further medical needs. If a patient does not have a primary care provider, the hospitalist will refer the patient to a physician on the medical staff for follow-up and subsequent medical care.
Our Services
A hospitalist’s focus is on patients admitted to The Queen’s Medical Center. These physicians are able to:
