Primary care providers have an option to have their patients admitted by and cared for in the hospital by a Hospitalist. This service gives the patient the best of both worlds. They have 24 hour physician care while they are in the hospital and their primary care physician has more time to spend with them in their office setting.
Hospitalists are specialized physicians who provide care to patients who are in the hospital. Because they stay in the hospital, these physicians generally visit the patient once a day or more as necessary and are quickly available throughout the day or night if needed. They are familiar with the hospital’s services and can coordinate care provided by specialty physicians and departments such as physical and occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, social services and nursing case management. The patient’s primary care provider is updated for follow up after a hospitalization.