The hospitalist will make arrangements for any prescriptions you may need when you are discharged from the hospital.

If you or a family member would like to speak with one of our hospitalists, it is best to ask the nurse caring for you to page the doctor.

All of the Hospitalist’s time is spent caring for hospitalized patients such as yourself. Hospitalists function as your primary care doctor during your stay at the hospital. They work with other specialists to monitor, guide, and coordinate all major aspects of your treatment. The hospitalist will also make sure your primary care provider is informed of your condition and involved in the plan of care. A member of the Hospitalist team will visit you daily, assist with your medical care, discuss medical issues with you and your consulting specialists, and arrange for follow-up with your primary care provider once you are discharged. Hospitalists frequently provide consultative care in Internal Medicine for other physicians and surgeons. They work with nurses and other care providers in the hospital to try to efficiently and safely improve the patient care process from admission to discharge.

Hospitalists often admit patients for other doctors who prefer to concentrate their efforts and expertise in the office setting, and want you to be evaluated by an expert in the care of hospitalized patients who will be able to see you multiple times each day if necessary. While you are in the hospital, your primary care doctor has asked our on-site hospitalists to care for you and your medical needs. Once you are discharged from the hospital, your primary care physician will resume responsibility for your medical care.

Your primary care physician may have requested that a hospitalist be in charge of your care during your stay at the hospital, or you may have had one of our hospitalists assigned to care for you.

In this way, you have the benefit of being seen by a doctor whose practice is entirely focused on the care of hospitalized patients, who will be available to care for you and answer your questions 24 hours each day, and who is in regular contact with your primary care doctor.

Communication is essential to the successful relationship between your primary care physician and the hospitalist. So, while you are in the hospital, our hospitalist will consult with your provider and maintain regular communication with him or her during your stay. In turn, your primary care provider can provide the hospitalist with valuable information about your medical history, medications and special needs.

We recognize the importance of providing you with as much information as possible about the care you will be receiving. During your stay, one of our hospitalist physicians will be responsible for directing and coordinating your medical care and will be available to answer questions or concerns you or your family may have about your condition and treatment plans. During any of the hospitalist’s visits, please feel free to ask questions or seek clarification about anything you may not understand.

Before being discharged from the hospital, you will receive written and verbal instructions about your home treatment plan. These instructions will either include an appointment or instruct you to make an appointment with your primary physician after discharge. A hospitalist will also contact your primary care provider or make arrangements for follow-up care. Once you leave the hospital, it is important that you follow through with your discharge instructions, including making the necessary office appointments with your physician. Remember, hospitalists do not see patients outside of the hospital setting. Should you have questions or need assistance after you have been discharged, please contact your primary care provider.