Hospital Medicine/ Hospitalist
What is a hospitalist?
These licensed physicians practice in a hospital where they treat an array of different medical conditions. Hospitalists work with patients staying in the hospital due to a variety of illnesses and/or injuries. As a result, these practitioners experience plenty of diversity in their day-to-day work.
The term “hospitalist” is relatively new, having been coined in 1996. The need for these specialty practitioners emerged from the increasingly complex nature of hospital patient cases. Once addressed by clinicians who also managed ambulatory care and other clinical obligations, it became apparent that a hospitalist role could help provide dedicated physicians to patients who needed them.
As this gap in the medical workforce was filled, this specialized area of medicine was born—and the hospitalist model of care quickly showed value, improving both efficiency of care and overall patient outcomes. Studies have even demonstrated how hospitalists help reduce the length of patient stays. These practitioners have since become a pivotal element of the direct patient care team in hospital environments.
What does a hospitalist do?
Because of the wide range of conditions treated in hospitals, the hospitalist job description is quite vast. These specialists provide general medical care to hospitalized patients. They lead the medical team and coordinate care for inpatients. They may examine individuals as they’re admitted, ordering x-rays, diagnostic tests, and other lab work; they’ll also analyze test results, order treatments and medical services, and prescribe medications.
For example, a hospitalist may order respiratory therapy for a patient with pneumonia. Or they might prescribe antibiotics for a patient with a kidney infection. Many patients who end up in the hospital have complicated cases, sometimes presenting with multiple health conditions at once. Hospitalists can play an important role by utilizing their wide range of medical knowledge.
Unlike specialists who work solely with one organ system or a certain patient demographic, hospitalists must maintain a working expertise in most areas. It’s not uncommon for these physicians to refer patients to more specific specialists when needed, but their diagnostic abilities can set the tone for a hospital patient’s care.
Contact
Dr. Michael Bishai
Long Island Internal Medicine, Geriatric Care, Hospice, and Palliative Medicine Physician
(516) 550-9865
Service Areas
Smithtown, NY
West Islip, NY
Bethpage, NY
Nassau & Suffolk County