CHRISTUS St. Vincent Hospitalist Program

CHRISTUS St. Vincent’s expert team of hospitalists includes internal medicine, family medicine, geriatric and pediatric physicians who specialize in hospital-based care.
Because we do not see patients outside the hospital, we are able to give complete attention to directing your care.

HOW DOES THE HOSPITALIST PRACTICE WORK?

A Hospitalist will be in charge of your care and will see you every day. We can efficiently order tests, treatments and consultations with specialists.

A Hospitalist is available on site – 24 hours a day, seven days a week - to respond to your medical needs. We are easily accessible in emergencies and when questions or concerns arise.
WHY IS A HOSPITALIST CARING FOR ME?

Your primary care provider requested that a Hospitalist be in charge of your care during the hospital stay. This enables your primary care provider to be more available to you in the office.
WHEN WILL THE HOSPITALIST SEE ME?

We prioritize our daily visits based on patients' severity of illness and readiness for discharge. The patients who are more sick or are ready for discharge are seen in the morning. The more stable patients are seen in the afternoon.
WHEN WILL I SEE MY PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER?

Your primary care provider may visit you while you are in the hospital. However, it is more common that you will see your primary care provider after you are discharged from the hospital. On your admission and again at discharge from the hospital, your primary care provider will receive a fax summarizing the reasons for your hospitalization.
WHAT IF I DO NOT HAVE A PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER?

If you need to be admitted to the hospital and do not have a primary care provider, you will be admitted to the Hospitalist Service. At discharge, we will refer you to a physician or community clinic for follow-up care.
WHAT IF MY FAMILY HAS QUESTIONS?

We will see you at least once a day or more, if appropriate. This is the best time to ask any questions about your medical care. Family members can contact us through the hospital's nursing staff. We ask that one family member be designated as the primary contact person for questions and information.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I AM DISCHARGED FROM THE HOSPITAL?

We send a summary of your hospital events to your primary care provider. We arrange for any prescriptions you may need. After discharge from the hospital, your care will be managed by your primary care provider.

Since we do not have an outpatient practice, you will not have an appointment to see the hospitalist again after discharge. You may contact us after discharge if you have any questions about the hospital stay.