If you have been admitted to Waldo County General Hospital (WCGH) recently, you probably noticed a big change in your medical care. You likely were seen by a Hospitalist, instead of your primary care physician as he or she made their rounds in the early morning or evening. A Hospitalist is a doctor whose focus is caring for hospitalized patients.
The Hospitalist facilitates a continuity of care by being able to focus solely on patients in the hospital. When the patient needs to be seen by a doctor, the Hospitalist is there and doesn’t have to be called over from his office where he may be with a patient. The Hospitalist is able to review test results quickly and begin treatments in a timely manner, thereby moving the patient closer to discharge.
The Hospitalist program also allows local community doctors to remain in their offices during the day without having to leave to admit patients to the hospital, while reducing their call schedules significantly. Both of those benefits are helpful to the recruitment of new doctors.
Question: How does it benefit me that there is a Hospitalist program at WCGH?
Answer: The Hospitalist has the opportunity to focus on hospitalized patients without being pulled away to care for patients in his office, which allows him to spend more time with patients and patients’ family members. He is also at the hospital for a full shift so is available to review test results sooner and to order follow-up tests immediately if needed, which may reduce the length of hospital stays.
Question: Will my primary care doctor know I am in the hospital?
Answer: Your primary care doctor will be notified that you have been admitted to the hospital and will be updated on your progress by the Hospitalist.
Question: Do the Hospitalists have access to my medical records kept by my primary care physicians?
Answer: In some practices with electronic records, the Hospitalist can access your medical record, if needed, while you are hospitalized in accordance with confidentiality laws. If not, the Hospitalist can communicate directly with your primary care physician.
Question: How will my primary care doctor know what happened during my hospital stay?
Answer: Your primary care doctor will be provided with written documentation of your medical care during your hospitalization and will have had conversations with the Hospitalist.
Question: Who will I see after I am discharged from the hospital?
Answer: Before you are discharged, the Hospitalist will give you a follow-up plan for when you leave the hospital and return to the care of your primary care physician. That follow-up plan will include what medications you will be using after your discharge; what to do if something happens; and the date of your next appointment with your primary care doctor.
Question: Are all the primary care doctors using the Hospitalist program?
Answer: Use of the Hospitalist program is a voluntary service, but many of the area’s primary care doctors are making full utilization of the Hospitalist program. Check with your doctor to see what they are doing.
Question: Who do the Hospitalists rely upon to help them made the best decisions for hospitalized patients?
Answer: They frequently consult local specialists. And if needed, they also have access to intensive care physicians at Maine Medical Center in Portland, who can monitor a patient at Waldo County General Hospital with audio, video and computer equipment. They may also contact your primary care physician to request additional input.
|
