The Hospitalist Program at Pattie A. Clay is quickly becoming a key component of our ability to provide excellent care, and is a recognized leader in the field of hospital medicine.
In the same way that cardiologists specialize in the care of heart patients, hospitalists are medical physicians who specialize in the care of hospitalized patients. Many patients are being treated by this new kind of doctor – a doctor who isn't their family doctor, but who is responsible for their medical care during a hospital stay.
The biggest advantage of the Hospitalist Program is hospitalists are on available at the hospital seven days a week, 24 hours a day to provide you with ongoing and immediate care. They work as partners with your physician to provide you with the highest standard of care during your hospital stay. Presently, we have three board certified hospitalists who could all be involved in a patients' care depending on length of stay. In addition, (APRN) aid the physicians in patient care as needed.
Hospitalists have experience and expertise in a wide range of diseases, including the care of patients with pneumonia, congestive heart failure, chest pain and heart attacks, asthma, emphysema, and syncope. They evaluate patients prior to surgery to make sure they are on the proper medications so they can undergo surgery safely. They also follow patients closely after surgery to make sure all medical problems are well-treated.
Hospitalists provide outstanding care to patients, and are in unique positions to identify systems issues and help improve processes. In recognition of this, Pattie A. Clay has given hospitalists important administrative roles, such as physician leaders and members of key departmental and hospital committees.
Administrative assistance is available to all physicians and patients who need information regarding patients and/or thier records.
For more information about the hospitalist program, please call 859.625.3496.
Hospitalist Frequently Asked Questions
Who will write prescriptions for medications prescribed in the hospital?
The hospitalist will make arrangements for any prescriptions you may need when you are discharged from the hospital.
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How do I contact the hospitalist physicians?
If you or a family member would like to speak with one of our hospitalists, it is best to ask the nurse caring for you to page the doctor.
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What does a hospitalist do?
All of the Hospitalist’s time is spent caring for hospitalized patients such as yourself. Hospitalists function as your primary care doctor during your stay at the hospital. They work with other specialists to monitor, guide, and coordinate all major aspects of your treatment. The hospitalist will also make sure your primary care provider is informed of your condition and involved in the plan of care. A member of the Hospitalist team will visit you daily, assist with your medical care, discuss medical issues with you and your consulting specialists, and arrange for follow-up with your primary care provider once you are discharged. Hospitalists frequently provide consultative care in Internal Medicine for other physicians and surgeons. They work with nurses and other care providers in the hospital to try to efficiently and safely improve the patient care process from admission to discharge.
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Why isn't my regular physician seeing me in the hospital?
Hospitalists often admit patients for other doctors who prefer to concentrate their efforts and expertise in the office setting, and want you to be evaluated by an expert in the care of hospitalized patients who will be able to see you multiple times each day if necessary. While you are in the hospital, your primary care doctor has asked our on-site hospitalists to care for you and your medical needs. Once you are discharged from the hospital, your primary care physician will resume responsibility for your medical care.
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Why is a Hospitalist caring for me?
Your primary care physician may have requested that a hospitalist be in charge of your care during your stay at the hospital, or you may have had one of our hospitalists assigned to care for you.
In this way, you have the benefit of being seen by a doctor whose practice is entirely focused on the care of hospitalized patients, who will be available to care for you and answer your questions 24 hours each day, and who is in regular contact with your primary care doctor.
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Will my physician and the hospitalist work together?
Communication is essential to the successful relationship between your primary care physician and the hospitalist. So, while you are in the hospital, our hospitalist will consult with your provider and maintain regular communication with him or her during your stay. In turn, your primary care provider can provide the hospitalist with valuable information about your medical history, medications and special needs.
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How should my family and I communicate with the hospitalist?
We recognize the importance of providing you with as much information as possible about the care you will be receiving. During your stay, one of our hospitalist physicians will be responsible for directing and coordinating your medical care and will be available to answer questions or concerns you or your family may have about your condition and treatment plans. During any of the hospitalist’s visits, please feel free to ask questions or seek clarification about anything you may not understand.
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What happens when I am discharged from the hospital?
Before being discharged from the hospital, you will receive written and verbal instructions about your home treatment plan. These instructions will either include an appointment or instruct you to make an appointment with your primary physician after discharge. A hospitalist will also contact your primary care provider or make arrangements for follow-up care. Once you leave the hospital, it is important that you follow through with your discharge instructions, including making the necessary office appointments with your physician. Remember, hospitalists do not see patients outside of the hospital setting. Should you have questions or need assistance after you have been discharged, please contact your primary care provider.
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Will my primary care doctor be informed about my illness and treatment?
Your primary care doctor will receive important information about your hospital diagnosis and treatment in the form of a written discharge summary. The report will be sent to your physician soon after you are released from the hospital. In addition, hospitalist physicians and your primary care physician may discuss your case confidentially over the phone or via a secured e-mail system to facilitate your transition from the hospital back to the care of your primary care provider. |
