What is a Hospital-based Physician?

A hospital-based physician is also known as a Hospitalist. A Hospitalist is an Internal Medicine physician who specializes in caring for hospitalized adult patients. Your primary care physician, and in some cases an Emergency Room physician, may refer you to a Hospitalist when you are admitted to the hospital. In other cases, you may be admitted by a surgeon who will treat a specific condition, while a Hospitalist is consulted for your general care evaluation prior to surgery, so that your stay is as safe and efficient as possible.

How is My Primary Care Physician Involved?

Your primary care physician will contact, or be contacted by, a Hospitalist when you are admitted to the hospital. They will discuss your specific condition and medical history. The Hospitalist will visit you daily during your hospital stay, communicating with your primary care physician as needed.

Upon discharge, the Hospitalist will update your primary care physician on your care while in the hospital. Your primary care physician will receive a summary of all lab work, reports, and studies that were performed.

What Benefits of Care Does a Hospitalist Offer?

Since Hospitalists specialize in in-hospital care, they are skilled at treating in-hospital conditions. They can often anticipate complications and thus improve your hospital stay. Your Hospitalist will work as your advocate with various hospital departments and specialty services.

The Hospitalist services are provided on to hospitalized patients and are available as often as your condition requires. Should an emergency arise, the Hospitalist is never far away.

Since your primary care physician is freed from hospital duties, your primary care physician has more time to spend with you in the office.

What Happens When I Leave the Hospital?

Upon discharge, you will know your prescribed medications, when to see your primary care physician, and will be given a list of any other instructions you need to follow. Your primary care physician will be fully informed regarding your follow-up care. If you do not have a primary care physician, arrangements can be made to find you one.

Can I See the Hospitalist After My Discharge?

Hospitalists generally do not maintain office practices and, therefore, usually do not see patients after they leave the hospital. However, for continuity of care, if you have a concern soon after discharge and are unable to reach your primary care physician, you can reach a Hospitalist by calling Mercy Hospital Grayling at (989) 348-5461.

If you are a Mercy Hospital Grayling patient and have a compliment, concern, or complaint, please contact one of our Patient Liaisons.

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