What is a Hospitalist?

The term "hospitalist" refers to physicians whose practice emphasizes providing care for hospitalized patients.

Hospitalists typically spend most or all of their work day in the hospital, and thus can be more readily available to a patient than a doctor who spends much the day outside the hospital in an office or clinic setting.  By focusing his or her practice on the care of hospitalized patient, a hospitalist can gain a great deal of experience in the unique aspects of a patient's needs during the hospital stay.  Their activities include patient care, coordination of consultations, ordering of tests and therapeutic care, active involvement on committees, and leadership related to Hospital Medicine.

Our Physicians

Hospitalists at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center and Twin Cities Community Hospital are Board Certified Internal Medicine, or Board Certified Family Practice Physicians who have years of experience treating patients with a wide range of acute and chronic illnesses.  They are often the attending physician who coordinates your care while you are in the hospital.  They order labs, MRIs, CT scans, and prescribe medications.  They consult with specialists, nurses, and case managers during your hospitalization.   Every effort is made by the physicians and hospital to have reports available and sent to your primary care physician. 

What Happens when I'm Discharged?

All new Medications prescribed while in the hospital will need to be refilled by your primary care physician and/or specialist. 

It is very important that you contact your primary care physician and schedule a follow up visit 5 to 7 days from hospital discharge.  Be sure to let your doctor’s receptionist know that you were in the hospital so they can obtain the medical records from the hospital before your follow up visit.   

What if I continue to have Problems or Questions at home?

Because our focus is on patients who are in the hospital, you will need to contact your primary care physician with questions once you are home.  Our physicians are always available for a physician to physician consultation, and medical records are available to your doctor for review.  Again, it is very important that you follow up with your primary care physician post discharge from the hospital.

Of course, if you feel that your condition is worsening and/or life threatening you should return to the emergency room for evaluation.