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Our goal is to make your stay at Sparrow Hospital as pleasant at possible. The Sparrow Hospitalist Program will provide guidance and direction for your care.
What is a Hospitalist?
Hospitalists are doctors who specialize in caring for patients admitted to the hospital. They usually do not have an outpatient medical practice.
Most Hospitalists are general internal medicine physicians, family medicine physicians or pediatricians. Some are trained
as specialists in pulmonary/critical care medicine, cardiology or other subspecialties.
These doctors assume the role of your primary care physician, helping coordinate your care while you are in the hospital. The Hospitalists are
available 24 hours a day to address your medical questions or needs. When appropriate, your Hospitalist will consult and coordinate your
care with other specialists.
How does the program work?
Referrals to the Sparrow Hospitalist Program usually come from your primary care physician or specialist. Your doctor can explain the hospital program and answer any questions. Once you have been admitted to the hospital, the Hospitalist will take care of you, stay in contact with your
doctor to ensure a smooth transition in and out of the hospital, and return you to the care of your primary care physician at the end of your hospital stay. If you have no family doctor at the time of your hospitalization, you will receive
information for establishing contact with a primary care physician of your choice.
What are the benefits of a Hospitalist?
Hospitalists keep a close eye on you. In case of emergency, your Hospitalist is never very far. That's because they work in the hospital and will
see you more than once a day if needed.
Since a Hospitalist is available at all hours of the day and night, it's easier for you and your family to communicate with a doctor about your illness.
Your Hospitalist is familiar with the hospital system and can facilitate your overall care. Hospitalists can assist you through a smooth and speedy
recovery process by following up on tests and adjusting your treatment regimen throughout the day based on those test results.
Having a Hospitalist on staff also benefits your primary care physician, allowing him or her to focus on seeing patients
in the office. Because Hospitalists are in the hospital all day, your primary care physician can devote more time to keeping you and your family healthy. Because your doctor
will not have to address last-minute hospital situations, he or she can spend more time with each patient during office
visits and see patients in a timely manner.
Numerous studies show practices that use Hospitalists have lower medical costs and their patients spend less time in the hospital.
Who will be my doctor while I'm in the hospital?
You will probably see more than one doctor while you are in the hospital. Each Hospitalist works as a member
of the Sparrow team to ensure you receive prompt, high quality care.
Will all the doctors know about my case?
Yes. Each day, all the doctors involved in your care will meet to discuss your case. This sharing of information helps in determining the best course of treatment for you.
Can I ask questions?
Yes. You are an important partner in your care. The more you understand about your illness and treatment, the better prepared you are to help prevent complications
and future problems. Don't be afraid to ask questions or ask to clarify something you do not understand.
When will the Hospitalist see me?
Sparrow Hospitalists begin patient visits at 7 a.m. each morning. These visits continue throughout the day. In most cases, all patients are visited before 2 p.m. Patients
with the most urgent medical needs will be seen first.
When can my family speak to the Hospitalist?
To ensure everyone's questions are answered and misunderstandings are avoided, we suggest our patients and their families talk with the Hospitalist at the same
time. This is most easily accomplished during the time the physician visits your room. We suggest you keep a notepad by your bed to write down any questions you or your family members may have for your doctor.
If meeting together is not possible, a family member may leave a note with your nurse to request your Hospitalist call them, or call the Sparrow Family Medical Services office and leave a message.
Your message will be relayed to the Hospitalist physicians.
Adult Hospitalist Program Office: 517.364.5880
Pediatric Hospitalist Program Office: 517.364.2022
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