Hospitalist Program

The Hospitalist is an acute-care physician who focuses on a patient’s hospital care from time of admission until their discharge. During that time, they provide a coordinated team of physicians, nurses and support staff that follow a defined process of patient care. These physicians keep in close contact with your Primary Care physician while managing the entire inpatient episode of care.

Primary Care physicians may choose to refer patients to a Hospitalist to provide inpatient care for them. Hospitalists may also be asked to provide consultation by surgeons and other specialists. At Ball Memorial Hospital, the Hospitalist program is available as a choice for our physicians and patients.

Why a Hospitalist?

Having Hospitalists on staff is beneficial in many ways. Hospitalists are immediately available to see hospitalized patients. When necessary, they may see patients several times a day. Tests that are performed in the morning can normally be reviewed the same day by the Hospitalist and shared with patients immediately. Hospitalist patients also benefit from coordinated, timely and efficient care which may result in an earlier discharge for our patients.

How does the program work?

The Hospitalist program supports your Primary Care physician by allowing him or her to focus on seeing patients in their office. For a Primary Care physician, one of the most difficult decisions they face is choosing between a full schedule of office patients, or a seriously ill hospitalized patient. Hospitalists are immediately available and are in contact with Primary Care physicians at admission, discharge and other important times.

When a decision is made to admit you to Ball Memorial Hospital, your Primary Care physician may request a Hospitalist care for you. If a surgeon or specialist admits you, a Hospitalist may be requested to see you in consultation.

Your doctor will contact our Hospitalist, who will then admit you to the hospital and begin your care. Our hospitalist program operates on a 24 hour, 7 day a week schedule, and our team of highly qualified, dedicated physicians work together to provide your care, similar to other physician practices. You may be seen by more than one physician during your hospitalization; however, your care will continue to be well coordinated and seamless.

The Hospitalist works with a multi-disciplinary team of health care professionals designed to provide the highest quality and efficient care. At discharge, the Hospitalist calls your physician to provide a detailed report on the hospital stay and findings as well as a printed discharge summary for your physician’s records. Your physician then resumes responsibility for your care after your discharge.

HOSPITALIST PHYSICIAN COVERAGE LIST

CLICK HERE

More Information

Check out our full-color brochure on the Hospitalist program at Ball Memorial Hospital.

Locations

Providers