Internal Medicine Associates of Lansdale Hospital
Hospitalist Program
At Lansdale Hospital our hospitalists are internal medicine doctors who specialize in caring for patients during hospital stays. That means that you will have an additional doctor to turn to when you have medical concerns, need information, advice or more during your stay. And because our hospitalists work only at Lansdale Hospital and do not have outside practices, they will be here when you need them.
The hospitalists will take charge of your case when you are admitted to the hospital and will act as "team leader" to help coordinate the medical care you receive throughout your stay. They will work with your primary care physician, specialists, nurses and other health care professionals so that you receive quality care and the best possible outcome. If you don't have a primary care physician, the hospitalists will assume that role during your stay.
As you recover, hospitalists will work with you, your family and the medical staff to develop discharge plans and discuss any follow-up care you may need after you leave the hospital. The result, according to studies done at hospitals throughout the nation, is that patients who receive care from hospitalists have better outcomes and can return home more quickly that those who receive traditional hospital care.
What is a Hospitalist?
A hospitalist is a physician whose entire attention
is directed toward caring for hospitalized patients.
Hospitalists are board certified, usually in Internal
Medicine. They are not residents or interns.
They are specialist in caring for adult, hospitalized patients.
And, because hospitalists do not
maintain outside offices, they can focus all their
time on patients inside the hospital.
The hospitalist manages your course of treatment through
the hospital by coordinating and consulting with
specialists, monitoring your progress and staying in
close contact with you, your family and your primary care physician.
How can a Hospitalist Benefit Me?
In addition to managing and coordinating your
care in the hospital, your hospitalist can answer
questions and address any concerns you may
have in a timely manner. Plus, by being familiar
with every specialist and department in the
hospital, your hospitalist can promptly follow up
on test results and treatments. This practice results in high
quality care for you.
How does the Hospitalist Work with My Doctor?
Since your primary doctor spends most of the day
at his/or her office outside the hospital, he or she
cannot always be at your bedside when emergencies
or concerns arise. Your primary care provider will be
notified of your admission to the hospital. The
hospitalist will maintain regular communication with
your doctor during your stay as needed. In turn, your
primary care provider can provide the hospitalist
with valuable information about your past medical
history, medications and special needs. Prior to
being discharged, the hospitalist will consult with
your doctor to plan your future course of care.
Upon discharge from the hospital, your primary
care provider will be notified and sent a summary
of your test results and discharge instructions.
What if my family has questions?
Your hospitalist physician can respond to questions
and concerns from both you and your family
members. They are located on-site, in the hospital,
and round on patients daily during your hospital stay.
What happens when I leave the Hospital?
Before you are discharged, necessary
prescription arrangements will be made
and you'll receive both verbal and written
instructions on what you should do to continue
your medical care. Your hospitalist will contact
your primary doctor and forward appropriate
records to his or her office. Once you leave
the hospital, it is imperative that you follow
your discharge instructions, including making
necessary follow-up appointments with your
primary physician. If you do not have a
primary care physician, call our Physician Referral Service
at 1-481-6334. One of our service representatives will
assist you in locating a physician close to
home. Since hospitalists do not see patients
outside of the hospital, you'll want to direct
any questions or concerns to your primary
doctor once you've been discharged.
For more information about the
Hospitalist Program
call 215-361-4854
