Hospitalist Services

What is a Hospitalist?

Hospitalists are physicians specially trained in caring for patients while they are in the hospital. At St. Joseph Regional Medical Center (SJRMC), our hospitalists are board-certified in internal medicine. As inpatient care specialists, they have extensive expertise in best treatment practices, care coordination and options for postdischarge care. Since hospitalists are located in the hospital, they can spend more time with their patients, improving communication and care.

Why Does SJRMC Have Hospitalists?

Several primary care physicians (PCPs) requested that SJRMC establish a hospitalist program. Without hospitalists, PCPs have to divide their time between offices and hospitals. Having hospitalists allows PCPs to remain in their office, without having to go to the hospital to see patients.

Who Are the Hospitalists?

St. Joseph Regional Medical Center has full-time hospitalist physicians who do not have private practices and treat only patients admitted to the hospital. Each full-time hospitalist is board-certified or board-eligible in internal medicine.

Local physicians also provide part-time hospitalist services on the weekends or in the evenings.

How Does a Hospitalist Know My Needs?

Hospitalists work closely with your PCP while you're in the hospital, from admissions to discharge. They perform examinations, make diagnoses, order tests and treatments, prescribe medications, develop aftercare plans and oversee the patient's general hospital care. Once a you're discharged, you will resume receiving care from your PCP.