A hospitalist is a “hospital specialist” who works with a patient’s primary care physician and Mercy staff to coordinate and provide care during a hospitalization.
A hospitalist is a physician, usually a family practice or internal medicine doctor, who has focused his or her specialty on inpatient care.
Hospitalists’ responsibilities include:
- Assessing and treating your medical condition
- Keeping your regular physician informed of your hospital progress
- Assisting your surgeon or subspecialist in caring for your other medical problems
- Coordinating your hospital care, including all diagnostic tests such as X-rays, lab tests or other procedures
- Arranging specialty care, therapy or consultations with other specialists
- Communicating with you and your family
- Arranging the transition of your care back to your personal physician, who will resume the responsibility for your medical treatment after you leave the hospital
Hospitalists practice only in the hospital, which gives them special insight into the care of inpatients and also makes them readily available to patients around the clock. They can be at the bedside within minutes and can see a patient’s family when needed.
Hospitalists are familiar with all specialists and departments in the hospital, and assist patients through a smooth and speedy recovery process by following up on test results and adjusting treatments as indicated.