Simply stated, a hospitalist is a doctor who is an expert in taking care of people in the hospital. Northern Light Mayo Hospital has a team of doctors (hospitalists) that provide 24/7 care to hospitalized patients while working with the patient’s primary care physician for quality care and personalized management.
Patients are typically admitted to the hospital by their primary care provider or through the Emergency Care. As inpatients on the Medical/Surgical nursing unit or in the Special Care Unit, they receive care primarily from our hospitalist physicians. This provides 24/7 continuity of care and minimizes schedule disruptions for providers in the primary care offices.
Hospitalists are trained in managing both common illnesses and complex problems for adolescents, adults and the elderly.
Hospitalists are always available to monitor your progress and respond to any changes in your condition.
Under a hospitalist’s care, you’ll have more opportunities to speak with a medical professional regarding your treatment.
Studies have shown that hospitalist programs reduce the length of time a patient spends in the hospital.
Hospitalist care allows primary care physicians to spend more time with their patients in the office setting while feeling assured that their patients are receiving the very best care in the hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why would I see a hospitalist in the hospital rather than my primary care physician?
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It is difficult for your primary care physician to see patients in the office and the hospital at the same time. Our hospitalist program helps make sure you get the attention you need in the hospital, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
How do patients benefit from the hospitalist program?
- Shorter waiting time for a bed. The hospitalist helps speed up the process of getting patients admitted from the Emergency Room.
- Better communication. Because hospitalists only work in the hospital, they can spend time talking to you and your family. The hospitalist becomes the center point for communication so that the patient, family, primary care physician, and specialists all talk with the same person.
- Personalized, family-centered care. Since hospitalists practice fulltime in the hospital, they are available whenever you or a family member has a question regarding medical care. You don’t have to wait for your primary care physician makes rounds to share your concerns or get answers.
- Shorter hospital stay. Having the hospitalist act as provider and coordinator of your care eliminates much of the wait time for tests, results, and consultations. The hospitalist makes sure each step happens in a timely manner, and this can reduce your length of stay by as much as a day.
- Quicker discharge. Patients can wait all day for their physician to arrive or for a surgeon to finish other cases and release them from the hospital. The hospitalist can give discharge approval more quickly, to get you on your way home sooner.
- Better quality of care. In case of an emergency, while you’re in the hospital, your hospitalist is nearby and will see you several times a day, if needed. Your hospitalist knows every specialist and department in the hospital and will follow up on tests and adjust your treatment throughout the day as needed.
How will my primary care physician know about my condition?
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Hospitalists talk to primary care physicians at the time of admission and obtain important records from them. During hospitalization, they may talk further regarding your treatment. At discharge, the hospitalist communicates with your primary care physician to discuss any additional treatment you need, arrange follow-up care, and prescribe medications. The hospitalist will also send your hospital records to your primary care physician.