A hospitalist coordinates a patient’s care while he or she is in the hospital. Hospitalists are responsible for answering patient questions, coordinating care between specialists, and evaluating test results. While hospitalists, most of whom are trained in internal medicine, do not replace primary care physicians, they do help ensure the entire hospitalization process runs as smoothly as possible. Learn more about what hospitalists do.

Patient satisfaction continues to be an important and commonly used indicator for measuring the quality of health care in the hospital setting. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Hospital Medicine found that patients at hospitals where hospitalists exclusively oversaw care were more likely to be satisfied with their hospital experience, including their experience at discharge.¹

While most hospitalists send a discharge summary to primary care physicians, we also use a variety of other tactics to ensure the discharge process goes smoothly and limit readmissions. We will get in touch with primary care doctors in cases where a patient gets a significant new diagnosis like cancer. We may also schedule a follow-up call with patients. We may call family members or caregivers after discharge, or send a copy of the discharge summary home, depending on the patient’s situation. In some hospital settings case managers or social workers are responsible for contacting patients after discharge. Learn more about our services.