Is this just any person who practices medicine in a hospital? Or could they be asked to facilitate a treatment that the hospital does not usually do? In other words, is this a patient advocate person with medical training?
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- "a dedicated in-patient physician who works exclusively in a hospital."
&
"Hospitalists are physicians whose primary professional focus is the general medical care of hospitalized patients. Their activities include patient care, teaching, research, and leadership related to Hospital Medicine."
You wonder if a hospitalist would be a "patient advocate person" -- my guess is they would be more of an advocate for the hospital administration. [There are actual patient advocates within hospitals, though, on staff but not medical professionals.]
Sounds like they are not going to be very oriented to someone with an ongoing complex case - and certainly would not replace one's primary care provider or even specialists - but rather one to just patch up, fix up and move 'em out.
That's important, of course, it's just that for those with chronic conditions, a hospitalist may not have the breadth of knowledge required other than for the actual issue of the moment at hand - or desire to be a detective beyond the basics.
Perhaps a chief resident role by another name, on a permanent basis? No actual patient load other than whoever is in the building (or in their unit) at that time.
Maybe someone who gave up on general practice or having a patient load.
I would guess such a doctor might also be on the hospital's team to reduce in-hospital infections such as MRSA, safety issues, etc.
[ 10-05-2015, 02:44 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- The term has had me wonder a few times before but just never explore it.
By the few brief definitions I first found, I though maybe this title was AFTER one had gone through an internship and also after their residency.
This seems consistent with that, other than that it may actually be a RESIDENT (who is a doctor but usually has not yet had any patient loads or private practice yet). The hospital group below says some have gone through some "post residency training" implies that some have not. And "typically undergoing residency training"
Hospitalist: A physician who specializes in the practice of hospital medicine.
Following medical school, hospitalists typically undergo residency training in general internal medicine, general pediatrics, or family practice, but may also receive training in other medical disciplines.
Some hospitalists undergo additional post-residency training
specifically focused on hospital medicine, or acquire other indicators of expertise in the field, such as the Society of Hospital Medicine’s Fellowship in Hospital Medicine (FHM) or the American Board of Internal Medicine’s Recognition of Focused Practice (RFP) in Hospital Medicine . . . . -
Posted by poppy (Member # 5355) on :
This is a seriously ill patient in the hospital with recent surgery and two very bad infections, one of which was hospital acquired. I am trying to find out what people have experienced in dealing with hospitalists. I have the impression these people take over because one's primary doc no longer is involved.
And I am not geographically near, doing research for those who are on the scene. Situation going downhill, hospital below average.
Posted by poppy (Member # 5355) on :
Anyone with experience? Please help if you can.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- The experience I've had with hospitals were regarding my parents but that term "hospitalist" had not be used yet.
Still, the family there should be able to tell you the name of the main doctor in charge. If you have a name (or even if they can't get a name)
If you call the main desk at the hospital, you can get connected with a patient advocate. Most hospitals have them.
That's the first call I suggest. They can best guide you regarding their procedures for consulting with the main doctor in charge &/or detail about any actions you / family suggest.
This patient advocate might be able to meet with the patient / family right away.
Good luck to you, to them. -
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
In simple terms, a Hospitalist is just a doctor that specializes in hospital medicine. They do not follow patients outside of the hospital.
My primary care physician's group has a contract with a group of Hospitalists to take care of all their patients at the local hospitals when they need to be admitted.
They give general medical care.
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
Usually, in in very ill patients, many specialists will be involved in their care.
Have the family request a consult with a case manager to better understand or improve coordination.
Posted by poppy (Member # 5355) on :
Thank you.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
quote:Originally posted by sammy: In simple terms, a Hospitalist is just a doctor that specializes in hospital medicine. They do not follow patients outside of the hospital.
- Exactly. My PCP used to be a hospitalist .. just because he liked the work and the pay. Our local hospital no longer allows patients' PCP's to oversee their care in the hospital.
I say it's so the hospital can control the care you get! They control what tests you get and everything else.
So yes, the hospitalist is a physician. Some of them begin their practice that way, and some just prefer it to private practice.
Posted by Anita (Member # 50) on :
quote:Originally posted by poppy: Is this just any person who practices medicine in a hospital? Or could they be asked to facilitate a treatment that the hospital does not usually do? In other words, is this a patient advocate person with medical training?
Hi -
Recent experience with a "hospitalist" (not my own, but a friend's):
Hospitalist: In this case, it was a doctor assigned to a patient that was in a general area of the hospital (after leaving the ICU). The hospitalist could change from day to day, depending upon who was on call. He/she read the records and made daily treatment recommendations based upon those records. I didn't care for it, because I didn't feel like the doctor had a relationship with the patient. However, it is how things are set up at this particular hospital, so I guess you don't have a choice in the matter. This is a "one-horse" town, in my opinion. I would hope that you have better options in larger cities.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I always felt safer in our hospital when MY OWN DOCTOR was over-seeing my case.
Posted by poppy (Member # 5355) on :
Thank you all for your replies. I have concluded that a case manager is might be the right person to have on board. Interestingly, I asked the hospital if they had a patient advocate and they didn't even know what I was talking about. Not a good sign.