Advocate Health Center
Hospitalist Program

If you are ever admitted to the hospital, your Advocate Health Center physician will work with a special group of physicians called hospitalists to care for you. This information explains what hospitalists do and how they can improve your care.

What is a hospitalist?
The hospitalist is a physician who specializes in caring for hospitalized patients The physicians associated with our Hospitalist program are board-certified in internal medicine and family practice. They are not medical interns or residents, but highly trained and experienced Advocate Health Center physicians. In addition, because hospitalists do not maintain an outpatient clinical practice, they can focus all their attention on inpatient care.

The hospitalist manages your stay at the hospital, coordinating and consulting with specialists, closely monitoring your progress, and staying in close touch with you, your family and your primary care physician.

How does the hospitalist work with my doctor?
When you are admitted to the hospital, your Advocate Health Center physician will contact the hospitalist to discuss your care. The hospitalist communicates every day with your physician about the plan for your care and how you are progressing.

Once you are in the hospital, the hospitalist will be in charge of your day-to-day care. Your hospitalist will talk to you in-depth about the issues that are important for your medical needs. He or she will take a complete medical history and perform a thorough examination.

Detailed summaries of your hospitilization, changes and updates will be prepared and faxed to your primary care physician's office within 24 hours. Lab and test results will also be forwarded to their office. Both the hospitalist and your primary care physician work in partnership to ensure that you get the best possible care.

How can the hospitalist benefit me?
Having a hospitalist on staff is like having your doctor just down the hall throughout your stay. If you or family members have any questions or concerns, the hospitalist can be easily contacted, any time.

Your hospitalist knows every specialist and department in the hospital, ensuring timely follow up on tests and treatments. The result is high quality care for you.

Is the hospitalist always available?
High quality care is available around the clock, seven days a week. The patient can see a doctor as often as needed.

What happens when I leave the hospital?
The hospitalist will ensure that your hospital records will be in your primary care physician’s hands well before your first follow-up visit.

What if my family has questions?
An important benefit of the hospitalist program is increased availability. Your hospitalist is here to explain and respond in person to you and your family. During critical and stressful moments, your hospitalist will be there to provide timely, honest and considerate answers to all questions.

The Hospitalist Program was implemented by the Advocate Health Centers to optimize your inpatient care. We wish you good health and hope you will not need to be hospitalized. If you do, rest assured that it is our priority to listen and respond to your health care needs and provide you with the best care possible.