When you are admitted to Memorial Hospital's medical unit, your care is overseen by one of our hospitalists. The hospitalist is a physician who oversees your care during your hospital stay. The following information will acquaint you with our hospitalist program.

What is a hospitalist?

A hospitalist is a physician who is solely focused on hospitalized patients. Throughout your hospitalization, you will have access to an on-site physician who is knowledgeable about your specific situation and condition. He or she will coordinate your care, communicate with your primary care provider, and be available to provide prompt information for you and your family.

(NOTE: Maternity and surgical patients are seen by a physician in that specialty. The hospitalist provides care for adults admitted to the intensive care and medical care units.)

When will I see my primary care provider?

During your hospital stay, you will be seen by our Hospitalists. Your primary care provider may visit while you are in the hospital. You will continue to see your regular primary care provider after discharge from the hospital.

How does the hospitalist know about my medical condition?

Hospitalists talk to primary care providers on a frequent basis. At the time of your admission to the hospital, your primary care provider informs the Hospitalist of your condition and sends over records to provide as much information as possible about your illness. The process is similar to what your provider does when he or she refers you to a specialist for another opinion, or for additional tests and treatment.

During the course of your hospitalization, your Hospitalist and primary care provider may talk further regarding your treatment. At discharge, your Hospitalist will communicate with your primary care provider to discuss further treatment needs, help arrange follow-up, prescribe the necessary medications, and send your hospital records to your primary care physician.

Hospitalists provide many benefits:

• Hospitalists keep a close eye on you. Hospitalists assist you through a smooth and speedy recovery process by following up on tests and adjusting your treatment regimen throughout the day based on those test results.
• Hospitalists answer your family's questions. Hospitalists are here to provide the answers in person whenever possible. During critical and stressful moments, they provide honest and considerate answers to your questions. They are available to talk to you and your family about your care. There's no time more important to communicate about your care than when you might be critically ill.
• Hospitalists help your primary care provider to be more available to you. Because Hospitalists are in the hospital all day, your provider can be with you in the office with fewer delays and interruptions. Your primary care provider will be able to devote more time to keeping you and your family healthy. For many patients and providers, working with a Hospitalist team is a win-win proposition.