As many patients ask, “Where is my doctor?” a hospitalist becomes their best advocate. What Is A Hospitalist? The literal definition of a hospitalist is a doctor who cares for patients in the hospital. This healthcare role was first reported in 1996 when the term was published in the New England

As many patients ask, “Where is my doctor?” a hospitalist becomes their best advocate.

What Is A Hospitalist?

The literal definition of a hospitalist is a doctor who cares for patients in the hospital. This healthcare role was first reported in 1996 when the term was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The role of a hospitalist has evolved into an important healthcare provider.

The Society of Hospital Medicine defines hospitalists as, “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.”

Most hospitalists are board-certified internal medicine physicians. Many are general internal medicine, general pediatrics, or family practice MDs, although some specialize in intensive care, pulmonology, nephrology or another specialty. Hospitalists may have chosen not to enter into a private medical practice for many different reasons.

Benefits of the Role

Hospitalists focus on quality care, patient safety, and proper medical utilization.

In teaching hospitals where interns, residents, and fellows practice, hospitalists were not in great demand until 2003. In 2003, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education mandated work hour limits for internal medicine residents, which left a large void for the inpatient population needing medical management. Hospitalists helped to fill this void.

Some hospitalists may have filled the role to help a colleague who was overwhelmed with their outpatient practice or who was trying to build their patient base, leaving little time for the inpatient side of care. As a result, some complex inpatient cases were not getting the significant attention that they required from their Primary Care Physician (PCP).

The Hospitalist’s Role

Hospitalists coordinate all aspects of an inpatient’s medical care. This includes admission, diagnosis including ordering and/or performing appropriate medical procedures, treatment, evaluation, teaching, and discharge in a timely and complete manner.

Discharge planning is a key component of a hospitalist’s role. It's important to have detailed communication with the PCP so they can continue caring for the patient as an outpatient.

Disadvantages of Being a Hospitalist

Stepping into care for patients with a complicated medical history is often difficult. Patients and their families often resent not having their PCP making their medical decisions during a health crisis.

The Typical Work Schedule

Hospitalists provide inpatient coverage 24/7, 365 days a year including holidays, nights, and weekends. In many facilities, an individual's usual work shift is 12 hours a day for 7 consecutive days. Some programs have night-only positions. Otherwise, the group shares night rotation coverage.

A hospitalist’s 24-hour availability to a patient and their family is a distinct advantage. As any condition changes, there is quick and complete medical care available.

This 24-hour coverage also allows patients to get diagnostic test results immediately, rather than having to wait for their PCP to appear sometime the following day, usually after their office hours are over.

Additional Duties of a Hospitalist

Hospitalists are often involved in hospital committees like pharmacy and credentialing with other medical staff activities and responsibilities.

Hospitalists are becoming a well-respected and well-accepted healthcare provider. Patients, although sometimes initially hesitant to allow someone other than their PCP to control their inpatient care, have learned to trust this health team member.