Hospitalist

• We keep a close eye on you – Our team will visit you at least once a day, sometimes more, while you are in the hospital. We normally visit between 7 and 11 a.m. You may want to have a family member present during those times.
  
  
• We are always here if you need us – At least one member of the hospitalist team is on duty in the hospital 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  
  
• To reach us, call 304-413-0168. (mobile call option)  This number is answered 24 hours a day Monday through Friday, and 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. If you need us during the day on the weekend, ask your nurse to page us.
  
  
• We coordinate your care – During your stay, we will make sure you get any tests you need, and we will follow up on the results of those tests, adjusting your treatment as needed throughout the day. You have a multidisciplinary team that is dedicated to your care. This team meets regularly to discuss your plan of care. We will make sure you receive any care you need from specialists or others in the hospital. Our goal is to help everyone work together for your speedy and smooth recovery.
  
  
• We communicate with your doctor – We have excellent working relationships with primary care physicians and will communicate with yours before, during, and after your hospital stay. We have full access to your medical records.
  
  
• We coordinate your discharge plans – When you are ready to leave the hospital, we will send your hospital records to your doctor, and coordinate follow-up care, medications, etc., with him or her. You will see your regular doctor soon after you leave the hospital.

Here is a video to describe what you can expect during your hospital stay.

Some tips for communicating with your hospitalist team:

• Make a list of questions, concerns, or problems before the daily visit with your hospitalist, or ask a family member to help you remember what to ask.
• Write down important information team members share with you or ask a family member to write it down for you.
• If you have any questions, problems, or concerns – even if you’re not sure they’re important – please share them with us. This helps us provide you with the best care possible.

The Patient Journey | Why you may have seen a hospitalist, but were then moved to a different provider:

• 24/7 Coverage: Hospitals aim to provide continuous care, requiring a team of hospitalists to cover all hours. This necessitates different providers taking over patient care during different shifts, ensuring that patients receive attention around the clock.
  
  
• Specialization and Expertise: Hospitalist teams often consist of physicians with various specialties or areas of expertise. A change in providers may occur based on the specific needs of the patient or the expertise required for a particular medical condition.
  
  
• Patient Volume: Hospitals can experience fluctuations in patient volume, and different providers may manage different sets of patients based on the number of admissions and discharges on a given day.
  
  
• Collaborative Care: Hospitalists work collaboratively, sharing information about patients during handovers. This collaborative approach ensures that all providers are aware of the patient's condition and can provide seamless care.
  
  
• Continuity of Care: While there may be a change in the primary hospitalist, efforts are made to maintain continuity of care. The incoming provider receives information about the patient's medical history, current status, and treatment plan to ensure a smooth transition. Overall, the rotation of hospitalists allows for a more comprehensive and continuous approach to patient care, leveraging the expertise of a diverse team and providing consistent coverage throughout the day and night.