Hospitalists

Hospitalists are physicians who specialize in the care of patients while they are in the hospital when the primary care physician isn't available.

You may be seen by a hospitalist physician if:

You are referred through an arrangement with your primary care physician
You have been or are being transferred from another facility
You were in the Emergency Department and need to be admitted to the hospital, but you do not have a primary care physician or your physician does not admit patients to St. Mary’s

Your hospitalist physician:

May consult with specialists and/or your primary care physician to closely monitor your progress, respond to changes in your condition, interpret test results and adjust your treatment
Is your advocate throughout your stay
Will manage your healthcare plan and prepare for your discharge
Care for newborn infants after delivery by physicians who are board-certified in internal medicine and pediatrics

Observation service

Your physician may order “observation service” to help determine whether you need to be admitted to the hospital as an inpatient or can be discharged. During observation, you are considered an outpatient until the physician determines whether you need further inpatient services.

St. Mary’s hospitalist team includes:

Board-certified physicians who specialize in the care of patients who are hospitalized
Certified physician assistants
Certified nurse practitioners
Pharmacists
Case managers

Our hospitalist physicians:

Have specialized experience in hospital medicine
Are in charge of your care in the hospital
Have extensive knowledge of the technology and resources available at St. Mary’s

During and after discharge

Your hospitalist physician will communicate important information to your primary care physician
You will be given written discharge instructions that include any follow-up appointments made with your primary care physician and other physician specialists, along with recommended outpatient testing, unless you are discharged on the evening or weekend when offices are closed
Will prescribe new medications until you can follow-up with your primary care physician
It is important that you follow these instructions and keep all follow-up appointments
If you do not have a primary care physician, you will have an opportunity to choose one
Plan to see your primary care physician within one to two weeks after discharge