If you are admitted to a hospital, you may be surprised to find out that your primary care doctor will not be the one taking care of you. Instead, you will be assigned to a hospitalist, a physician who specializes in caring for hospitalized patients. What are the benefits of having a hospitalist take care of you? Here are some reasons why hospitalists can improve your quality of care and your satisfaction.
- Hospitalists are experts in managing complex and acute medical problems. They have the skills and experience to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions that may arise during your hospital stay. They can also coordinate your care with other specialists and consultants who may be involved in your case.
- Hospitalists are available 24/7. They work exclusively in the hospital and do not have an outpatient practice. This means they can devote their full attention to you and your needs. They can respond quickly to any changes in your condition, order tests and treatments, and communicate with you and your family.
- Hospitalists can improve your safety and outcomes. Studies have shown that hospitalists can reduce your length of stay, lower your risk of complications and readmissions, and increase your satisfaction with your care. They can also ensure a smooth transition of care when you are discharged from the hospital. They will provide a detailed summary of your hospital course to your primary care doctor and arrange any follow-up appointments or referrals.
Having a hospitalist take care of you may seem unfamiliar at first, but it can offer many advantages for you and your health. Hospitalists are dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered, and evidence-based care to hospitalized patients. They work as a team with your primary care doctor and other health care professionals to ensure that you receive the best possible care during and after your hospital stay.