During your hospital stay at St. Mary's Medical Center, your medical care is being managed by one of our specially trained hospitalist physicians. A hospitalist is a staff physician who specializes in the care of hospitalized patients. With a hospitalist, you'll benefit from the personalized attention and peace of mind of knowing there is a physician on staff who's familiar with your medical history and care.

You can count on your hospitalist to:

• Coordinate your care. Our hospitalists lead a team of nurses, physicians, case managers, social workers and discharge planners, who work together to make your hospital stay comfortable while addressing your medical and administrative needs.
• Communicate with your primary care doctor and other doctors involved in your care.
• Help you find a primary care doctor if you don't have one.
• Expedite your discharge.
• Ensure you receive the necessary care once you leave the hospital.

Coordinated medical care
After you are admitted to the hospital, one of St. Mary's hospitalist physicians will give you an examination and coordinate and administer any tests and treatments you may need during your hospital stay.

To ensure seamless care, your primary care doctor will share your health records and information with one of St. Mary's hospitalists. This information includes your current health condition, medical history, treatment preferences and Advance Directive if you have one on file. This document details your medical treatment wishes if you should be unable to speak for yourself.

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To reach you hospitalist or the team of physicians taking care of you in the hospital, ask your nurse for assistance.

Why a hospitalist?

Your doctor has referred you to a hospitalist for one or more of the following reasons:

• Your doctor has decided that a hospitalist's care is needed for your health condition.
• You doctor's primary focus is on office-based care and prefers that a hospitalist care for you during your hospital stay.
• Your doctor's office is located many miles from the hospital.

Going Home
Your hospitalist will facilitate your safe discharge by:

• Sending your primary care doctor a summary of your hospital records and prescribed medications.
• Prescribing the medications you need to take when you leave the hospital.
• Arranging any required in-home care.
• Informing your primary care doctor of any necessary follow-up care.
• Arranging your next appointment with your primary care doctor.

Following your hospital stay, your primary care doctor will handle prescription refills and provide any additional care you may need.

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