Hospitalist

Definition

A hospitalist is a physician who specializes in providing inpatient care to hospitalized patients. They are typically board-certified in internal medicine or family medicine.

Responsibilities

Hospitalists work in hospitals, coordinating patient care and managing their treatment plans. They are often responsible for:

• Admitting patients: Evaluating patients upon admission to the hospital and determining their need for hospitalization.
• Managing patient care: Overseeing patient care throughout their stay, including ordering tests, prescribing medications, and consulting with specialists.
• Discharge planning: Coordinating patient discharge and ensuring that they have the necessary support and resources to continue their care at home.

Key Role

The role of hospitalists has become increasingly important in modern healthcare as hospitals have become more specialized and focused on providing efficient and effective care to hospitalized patients.