What is a Hospitalist?
When you are admitted to Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center for treatment, a hospitalist will likely oversee your care. A hospitalist functions much like your regular doctor while you are in the hospital.
This hospitalist will be a doctor who has attended medical school or an advance practice provider such as a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant. Many hospitalists have advance training in internal medicine, so they know how all the systems of the body work together. Hospitalists are also trained to work closely with specialists – such as a cardiologist or neurologist – who focus on a particular area of care.
During your stay, hospitalists will visit you, review your chart, order needed tests and coordinate care with other providers you see while you are in the hospital.
Available When Needed
Hospitalists are available at Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center day and night, seven days a week. This enables them to respond quickly when needed if you have an immediate medical issue or if additional tests need to be ordered. They are also available to answer questions from other physicians, nurses or family members.
Working with Your Family Doctor
You might be in the hospital because your regular doctor sent you there for treatment that will provide a better outcome than outpatient care. Hospitalists work closely with the health care provider that you see regularly to discuss treatment options and to review your medical history.
When You Go Home
When you go home from the hospital, the hospitalist will help coordinate follow-up care. This includes prescribing needed medications, giving discharge instructions and speaking with your regular health care provider about needed follow-up visits.
Your physician will be provided with hospital records from your stay. In many cases, patients are instructed to schedule an appointment with their doctor after they leave the hospital. If you do not have a regular doctor, your nurse can help you set up an appointment.
Hospitalist Leadership
Dr. Daniel Valancius
Incompass Health
Specialty: Internal Medicine
706-509-4340
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