Many of you have heard the word “hospitalist” thrown around… but if a patient or patient’s loved one asked you what a hospitalist was and if they made a difference in care, would you be able to answer?
A hospitalist is a physician, typically board certified in internal medicine or family medicine, who specializes in caring for patients while they are in the hospital. Essentially, a hospitalist is a health advocate for patients in the hospital!
When a person is admitted to UMC, the management of their care will be temporarily transferred from a primary care provider (PCP) to the hospitalist team. The hospitalist and your PCP will communicate throughout your hospital stay, a summary of your stay will be given when you are released, and you will return to the care of your PCP when your stay is over.
How hospitalists make a difference:
- Reduce length of stay by up to 30 percent
- They are easily accessible 24 hours-a-day
- Improve safety and quality of care
- Are familiar with hospital processes and procedures
- Maintain relationships with specialists and others in the health system to advocate patient health
Be sure to thank a UMC hospitalist next time you see one. They are really making a difference in care!