Hospitalist Program
As a patient, your care is at the heart of every service we provide. That’s
why we have a “Hospitalist Program” where doctors inside the
hospital work closely with your own physician to make sure you get the
attention and care you need during your stay. (If you do not have a primary
care physician, your hospitalist will work to help refer you to one when
you leave the hospital.)
Our mission is to promote high quality, efficient, comprehensive inpatient
care for hospitalized patients of any physician who requests service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hospitalist?
A hospitalist is a physician who specializes in caring for patients admitted
to the hospital. Our hospitalists are trained in general internal medicine
and other specialties and are able to focus their attention on patients
inside the hospital because they do not have outside private practices.
They have experience and expertise in a wide range of diseases and medical
conditions and immediate access to specialist physician when needed.
For more information please see our Hospitalist Brochure (PDF) or call
(707) 547-5437.
How does the hospitalist know about me?
When you are a patient, your hospitalist talks to your primary care physician
frequently. Here’s how it works:
What happens when I am admitted to the hospital?
Your primary care physician calls the hospitalist to inform him or her
of your condition, and sends records to the hospital to provide needed
information about your illness. (This process is similar to when your
doctor refers you to a specialist.)
Why is a hospitalist caring for me?
Your primary care physician has requested that a hospitalist be in charge
of managing your care while you are in the hospital. Your primary care
physician’s time is freed to be more available to you and other
patients when you are in his or her office.
What if I do not have a primary care physician?
If you need to be admitted to the Hospital and do not have a primary care
physician you will be admitted to the Hospitalist Service. After discharge,
together with the discharge planners we will refer you to a physician
or community clinic for follow-up care.
What happens during my hospitalization?
Your hospitalist will supervise your care and consult with your primary
care physician about your treatment as needed. The Hospitalist recommends
your medical plan of care and coordinates any consultations, tests and
treatments needed. The Hospitalist is available to see you as often as
needed throughout the day and will communicate information about your
condition with you and your family members. What about being discharged
from the hospital? Your hospitalist will get in touch with your primary
care physician to discuss further treatment needs, help arrange follow-up,
prescribe medications, and send your hospital records to him or her. After
discharge from the hospital your care will be managed by your primary
care physician.
When will I see my primary care physician?
Your hospitalist and primary care physician will consult with each other
about your progress as needed, and your primary care physician may also
visit you while you are in the hospital. You will see your primary care
physician again after your discharge from the hospital, in his or her
office for your continuing treatment.
What are the benefits from seeing a hospitalist?
There are many benefits of receiving care from our team. Hospitalists:
- Are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are never more than a few
minutes away because they work in the hospital.
- Can see you more than once a day if needed.
- Know every specialist and department in the hospital.
- Can quickly follow up on tests and adjust your treatment regimen as needed
throughout the day.
- Can spend time talking with you and your family about your care.