Hospitalist

Hospitalists work in partnership with the patient’s primary care provider to provide the highest standard of care during the patient’s hospital stay. The hospitalist will:

• Assess and treat the patient’s medical condition
• Coordinate the patient’s hospital care
• Review patient progress with his or her provider
• Transition medical care back to the primary care provider at patient discharge

Because hospitalists are based at the hospital, decisions are made quickly as situations arise. Treatments are modified and test results are followed up immediately. This helps prevent medical complications, reduces hospital stays, and lowers costs.

What is a hospitalist?

A hospitalist is an inpatient specialist who cares for patients in the hospital. Most hospitalists are internal medicine or family medicine providers. At Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, our hospitalists are family medicine and internal medicine providers. Your hospitalist is your primary care provider’s “partner” in caring for you while you are in the hospital.

When will I see my PRIMARY CARE provider?

During your stay, your hospitalist will be in contact with your primary care provider to discuss your medical history and collaborate on the most appropriate plan for your course of treatment. You may feel free to speak with your primary care provider anytime during your hospital stay.

How does the hospitalist help me?

• Availability – Because hospitalists work in the hospital, they can see patients more than once a day if needed. A hospitalist also is often close by if an emergency occurs, and they will call and work with other specialists on staff when needed. Hospitalists can speed the recovery process by ordering tests and treatments, reviewing results, and adjusting treatments throughout the day based on test results.
• Communication – Hospitalists often are available to answer patients’ and family members’ questions in person whenever possible. During stressful moments, they can provide honest and considerate answers to questions. Because hospitalists are usually in the hospital, they can spend more time talking to patients and their family members about their care.
• Increased primary care appointment time – Because hospitalists are in the hospital all day, your primary care provider does not have to be here. That means your provider can devote more time to keeping you and your family healthy. Your primary care provider can be with you in the office with fewer delays and interruptions, and the hospitalist is more available to care for you when you are at your sickest.

What happens when I am discharged?

Our Hospitalist Program will transfer your care to your primary care provider. We will schedule a follow-up appointment with your provider within 10 days of your hospital discharge.

If long-term or skilled nursing care is required, we will work with your primary care provider and hospital staff to help you find a facility that offers the care you need.

If you have questions or concerns about your care, please call Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center’s Patient Experience Officer at 319-768-4906.