Hospitalists
If you are hospitalized, your illness may be serious. Hospitalists treat only hospitalized patients. Our physicians are skilled in the latest inpatient diagnostics and treatments. Since a hospitalist is available to you at all times, we are always available to respond to a change in your condition.
“Hospitalist” is a relatively new specialty for physicians, but one that increases efficiency, patient safety and cost effectiveness within hospitals. Most hospitalists are board-certified internists who have undergone the same training as other internal medicine doctors including medical school, residency training, and board certification examination. They provide the high-quality, compassionate patient care you’d expect from any Jackson Hospital physician.
By focusing his or her practice on the care of hospitalized patient, a hospitalist can is uniquely positioned to understand the specific aspects of a patient’s needs during the hospital stay. They also provide invaluable mentorship and training to Jackson Hospital residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your primary care physician and your hospitalist have formed a partnership in order to better treat your medical needs and improve both your inpatient and outpatient experience. Even though you will not see your primary care physician while you are in the hospital, your hospitalist will work closely with your doctor to understand your needs as well as any important past medical history.
Your outpatient primary care physician can expect to receive a complete summary of your hospitalization. Your hospitalist will ensure a smooth transition of your care from the hospital to your primary care physician through a written discharge summary as well as verbal communication regarding important aspects of your care.
You can expect the very best medical care to be delivered with kindness and compassion. Your physician will see you at least once per day and more often if necessary. Your hospitalist will keep you and your family informed about tests and their results, the overall progress of your treatment, and your anticipated discharge date and time. Since we are committed to accurate and timely communication, in the event of large extended families, we ask that one family member be designated as the contact person.
Hospitalist fees are very similar to what you would expect from your outpatient primary care doctor if he or she were to treat you in the hospital. It is important to recognize that regardless of which doctors care for you, some portion of the physician bill for your care while in the hospital may not be covered by your insurance company. Therefore, you will receive a bill directly from the Jackson Hospitalist Group for the portion of our services not covered by your insurance company, such as deductibles, co-pays, etc.
Since hospitalists do not have outpatient practices, you will not have an appointment to see your hospitalist after discharge. If you have questions after discharge, you may contact the Jackson Hospitalist Group at 334-293-4040.
We can help you finding a primary care provider after leaving the hospital. Please contact the Jackson Hospitalist Group at 334-293-4040.
Records from your hospitalization will be sent to the physician of your choice.