Hospitalists
Today, many primary care physicians care for their patients on an outpatient basis only. If you are admitted to Allegiance Health, your primary care physician may refer you to a doctor specializing in hospital medicine. These doctors are called hospitalists and provide care exclusively for hospitalized patients rather than at a private practice.
Allegiance Hospitalists are board certified, experienced, internal medicine physicians. These physicians are available 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week. Your hospitalist will communicate with your primary care provider regarding your admission to the hospital. Upon discharge, the hospital will provide your physician with a summary of your hospitalization. In addition, Allegiance Health has nurse practitioners who work closely with the hospitalists to provide prompt, high quality care.
Pediatric Hospitalists
Since 2008 a team of pediatric hospitalists has been on staff at Allegiance Health to provide consistent care for our youngest patients on a 24-hour, seven day per week basis.
As this title suggests, pediatric hospitalists are pediatricians who provide care exclusively for hospitalized children rather than at a private practice. These physicians provide specialized care for children in many areas of the hospital, including Pediatrics, the Emergency Department, Labor and Delivery, Mother/Baby and the Special Care Nursery.
At Allegiance Health, a pediatric hospitalist is always available to:
- Serve as a link between the child, his or her family, and the primary pediatrician or family practice physician
- Answer questions and consult with the child’s family
- Modify treatment, such as a medication change
- Quickly follow up on tests
If a child’s case is especially complex and requires several specialists, the pediatric hospitalist will coordinate the management of the patient’s case. Should a child’s condition take a sudden change, a pediatric hospitalist is readily available at the bedside around the clock.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q. Who will be my doctor while I’m in the hospital?
A. You may see more than one hospitalist during your stay. The hospitalists operate as a team. They meet daily to determine the best course of treatment for you and to stay up to date on your care.
- Q. Can I ask questions?
A. Yes. You are an important partner in your care. The more you and your family understand about your illness and treatment, the better you can help prevent complications and future problems. Hospitalists are in the hospital 24 hours a day and have time to adequately address your questions and concerns.
- Q. Will my family doctor be informed about my illness and treatment?
A. Yes. Allegiance Hospitalists will make sure that your primary care provider is involved in your treatment and is fully informed of your illness and care.
- Q. Who do I see once I leave the hospital?
A. Upon discharge from the hospital, you will be cared for by your primary care physician. In the event you may need a follow-up appointment with a specialist, this will be arranged at the time of discharge and your primary care physician will be notified.