Imagine being in the hospital, and when the doctor comes in, their badge reads “Hospitalist.” What is a hospitalist, and where is your primary care provider?
A hospitalist is an internal medicine or family practice doctor who specializes in caring for hospitalized patients. There are several benefits of having a hospitalist manage your care while you are in the hospital, including:
- Increased Patient Safety and Quality of Care - Having a dedicated provider oversee your care while you are in the hospital is an essential component of your health, well-being and recovery. Hospitalists are specially trained to care for all types of patients, including those who are critically ill.
- Research and Continued Education - Hospitalists are often extremely involved in research in their field. As part of their continuing education efforts, hospitalists use evidence-based practices to provide the best care. They also are familiar with hospital policies and procedures.
How Hospitalist Visits Work
When and how often you see a hospitalist depends on why and how long you are in the hospital. In some cases, a hospitalist will only treat a patient one time. Other times, a hospitalist follows a patient through their continuum of care, from when they enter the emergency room to when they help arrange the patient’s discharge from the hospital.
Hospitalists vs. Primary Care Providers
In today’s healthcare environment, it is rare for a primary care doctor to see their patients in the hospital. Instead, most rely on the expertise of hospitalists. Regardless of your length of stay, the hospitalist will keep you, your family members and your primary care doctor informed about your treatment plan and progress. Your hospitalist will also work closely with other specialists involved with your care. They can assist with any psychological, social and spiritual needs, too.
Our Hospitalists
As an integral part of your care team, hospitalists can help improve your overall care and hospital stay. When you’re a patient at North Kansas City Hospital, you may be treated by a hospitalist with either Meritas Health Hospitalists or Gates Hospitalists. Our hospitalist groups includes internal medicine doctors, family practice doctors and nurse practitioners. Our hospitalists are committed to listening to and communicating with you and your family to ensure you receive the best, most comprehensive care possible. Because they are part of North Kansas City Hospital, our hospitalists work closely with our patient safety and quality of care efforts.
Learn more about our hospitalists.
