HOSPITALIST SERVICE

When you or a loved one is admitted to any of our Intermountain Hospitals your care will likely be overseen by a Hospitalist. Our Hospitalist team is comprised of physicians who specialize in the treatment of general medical conditions of hospitalized patients. 

They have extensive knowledge of the care and treatment of hospitalized patients as this is their sole professional focus and they only practice at the hospital and do not need to travel from an outside office and therefore can respond quickly to changes in your condition. 

WHY AM I BEING CARED FOR BY A HOSPITALIST?

Your regular physician has voluntarily requested that a Hospitalist direct your care in the hospital. Our team also cares for patients who do not have a physician in the area or whose regular physician does not have privileges to practice at one of our hospitals. 

WHO IS PART OF THE HOSPITALIST TEAM?

The Hospitalist team is made up of doctors, care coordinators who are registered nurses, and office care coordinators.

  • All of our physicians are board-certified in Internal Medicine and focus their care entirely on hospitalized patients.
  • Care coordinators round with our physicians and provide critical support by coordinating your care with your unit nurse, therapists, social workers, and other hospital staff to ensure you receive the appropriate care you need. 
  • Office coordinators inform your regular physician of your admission to the hospital and arrange for follow-up appointments, lab tests, and establishes you with a community doctor if you do not already have one chosen.

WILL I SEE MY PERSONAL PHYSICIAN? 

Most community physicians prefer to have the Hospitalist direct your care while in the hospital. Some may visit you on a social basis. If you prefer to be treated by your regular physician, we will pass this request on to your physician. 

WHEN WILL THE HOSPITALIST TEAM VISIT ME EACH DAY?

A Hospitalist will usually see the most seriously ill patients first followed by those to be discharged that day. Sometimes you may not be seen until the afternoon, but be assured that your nurse will inform our team regarding changes in your condition and address concerns you or your family may have. 

ARE THERE OTHER DOCTORS THAT WILL SEE ME?

Our team consists of many Hospitalists however, you will usually be seen by the same physician during your hospital stay. We take great measures to ensure that all aspects of your condition and treatment plan are shared with your next Hospitalist physician. 

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I GO HOME?

Our team will coordinate with your regular physician within 48 hours of discharge. All the pertinent summary information, lab tests, and medication lists are sent to your physician and we will schedule a follow-up appointment, arrange for home care or other needs, and schedule any follow-up tests you may need. Prescriptions for any new medications will be written for up to a one month’s supply to ensure you have enough medication to last until your follow-up appointment. Medications you took before hospitalization should be refilled by your regular physician.