Hospitalists are doctors who devote their practice to the care of hospitalized patients. St. Luke's hospitalists are board certified in Internal Medicine and see hospitalized patients who have been referred from primary care doctors, emergency room doctors, or other physicians at the hospital. They do not see patients outside of St. Luke's Hospital.
- Why is a hospitalist caring for me?
- How does the hospital practice work?
- What is the relationship between the hospitalist and my primary care physician?
- What if I don’t have a regular primary care physician?
Why is a hospitalist caring for me?
Your own primary care physician may request that a hospitalist be in charge of your care during your hospital stay. In this way you have the benefit of being seen by a doctor whose practice is entirely focused on the care of hospitalized patients. Additionally, this can enable your primary care doctor to be more available to you in the office, rather than trying to go back and forth between seeing patients in the office and in the hospital.
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How does the hospital practice work?
The hospitalists will be in charge of your care and will see you every day to direct your treatment while you are in the hospital. This doctor is available to you and your family to answer questions and discuss your care. The hospitalist works at the hospital full-time to provide for your care and attend to any emergencies that may arise. They may consult other doctors to participate in your care as well. The hospitalist will make arrangements for any prescriptions you may need when you are discharged. You may be asked to make an appointment with your primary care doctor, or other doctor, soon after discharge.
Since hospitalists do not have outpatient practices, you will not have an appointment to see the hospitalist again after discharge. You may contact the hospitalist after discharge if you have any questions about your hospital stay. Your regular physician will still be responsible for the outpatient care after discharge, including authorizing refills of prescriptions.
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What is the relationship between the hospitalist and my primary care physician?
The two doctors work together, your primary care physician can provide information about your past health history to the hospitalist, and the two doctors can discuss any significant findings or events. At the time of your admission and discharge, the hospitalist prepares a detailed report of findings and treatment plans that is sent to your primary care physician.
Your primary care physician asks the hospitalist to be in charge of your care while you are in the hospital, but is welcome to check on you and discuss your treatment with the hospitalist anytime during your hospital stay. When you are discharged, you will return to the care of your primary care doctor.
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What if I don’t have a regular primary care physician?
The St. Luke's hospitalist, and other staff at the hospital, can assist you in finding a doctor after you leave the hospital. Records from your hospital stay can be sent to this physician.
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