Frequently Asked Questions about Hospitalist Doctors at Saint Anne's Hospital
Will my regular doctor be seeing me while I am in the hospital?
In most cases, your care will be managed by a special doctor called a hospitalist.
Who will take care of me if I don’t have a regular doctor?
Your care will be managed by a special doctor called a hospitalist. Hospitalists are doctors who have special training to care for people while they are in the hospital. Once you leave the hospital, you will see your regular doctor. If you don’t have a regular doctor, we can help connect you with one.
Will the hospitalist talk to my regular doctor or doctors (specialists)?
The hospitalist manages your care, talks to specialists about your care if needed, and tells your regular doctor what happens to you in the hospital.
How often will I see the hospitalist?
A hospitalist will visit you every day.
Will I have the same hospitalist the whole time I am in the hospital?
You may have more than one hospitalist. Hospitalists work for seven days on, then have seven days off. Hospitalists tell the next hospitalist caring for you all about your medical condition, your tests, and your plan of care before they leave.
What are some of the things the hospitalist will do for me?
The hospitalist will ask you questions about your medical conditions and how you are feeling today. He/she will examine you and may order tests. The hospitalist will explain the results of the tests and talk to you about your plan of care.
How can my family talk to the hospitalist?
The hospitalist will talk with your family while visiting you (with your permission). Sometimes, hospitalists may call the family at the end of the day if the family asks the nurse to talk to the hospitalist. If desired, your nurse can help arrange a private meeting.
When does a hospitalist get a specialist to see me?
If you already have a specialist, like a heart doctor (cardiologist), the hospitalist may talk to him or her about your care. Sometimes, a hospitalist will ask a doctor with special training in your medical condition to visit you to help plan your care.
What if I want to talk to the doctor after he or she has seen me already that day?
The hospitalist and your nurse try to visit you together. Sometimes, a nurse can answer your questions on behalf of the hospitalist or contact the hospitalist for you later in the day.
Can I request a specific hospitalist?
Hospitalists are assigned patients similar to the way nurses are assigned to patients. All are qualified to provide excellent care while you are in the hospital. If you have concerns about anyone caring for you, including any of your doctors, please ask to speak with the Patient Care Director or the Patient Advocate.
How will my regular doctor know what has happened to me while I was in the hospital?
The hospitalist will send a report to your regular doctor when you leave the hospital. He/she may also talk to your regular doctor during your hospital stay.