BBGH Hospitalists

What is a Hospitalist?

A Hospitalist is a physician or mid-level provider who cares for patients while they are hospitalized. They often have advanced training in Internal Medicine. They do not see patients in a clinical or outpatient setting.

What are the advantages of having a Hospitalist program?

The patient has the benefit of being seen by a physician whose practice is entirely focused on the care of the hospitalized patient. The patient’s medical team on the Patient Care Unit staff has access to a Hospitalist 24-hours a day, seven days a week, to respond to changes in the patient’s condition that may need immediate attention and to answer any questions a patient or a family member may have.

The Hospitalist provides the patient’s primary care provider with updates on any changes in their patient’s condition during their hospitalization. The Hospitalist also makes the discharge arrangements for the patient, prescribing take-home medications and instructions for self-care. When the patient is discharged, the Hospitalist contacts the patient’s primary care provider and also provides the primary care provider with a summary report of the patient’s care during hospitalization

If the patient doesn’t have a primary care provider, the Hospitalist can assist the patient in setting up an appointment prior to being discharged from the hospital. Ongoing care is often necessary for a healthy life style. BBGH is a strong advocate for everyone establishing a relationship with a primary care provider of their choice for their health care needs.

The Hospitalist Service also provides much needed relief for the patient’s primary care provider. Providers working at facilities without a Hospitalist program have to split their time between their duties at their clinic and their patients in the hospital, and often have to take calls overnight from nursing staff when a hospitalized patient’s condition changes. However, providers who partner with a Hospitalist can focus just on seeing their patients in their clinics, resulting in less wait time and elimination of interruptions due to being called to the hospital. The service also allows primary care providers more downtime to be with family or enjoy more personal time off.

How does the Hospitalist program work at Box Butte General Hospital?

The patient’s primary care provider has the option of partnering with a Hospitalist to manage their patient’s care while their patient is hospitalized.

Daytime Hospitalist service – Box Butte General Hospital utilizes In-house Hospitalists during the day, who are physically present to visit and monitor patients in their care and to answer questions whenever the patient or family wants information or have a concern.

Nocturnal E-Hospitalist service – Box Butte General Hospital utilizes an E-Hospitalist service during the evening hours provided by Bryan Telemedicine. The E-Hospitalist is off-site, utilizing advanced technology via a specially made medical cart that has a high resolution monitor, high definition camera, and peripheral devices that allows the nurse, patient and E-Hospitalist to interact as if the E-Hospitalist was physically present.