Hospitalists are physicians who specialize in caring for patients in the hospital and generally practice only in the acute care setting. Most hospitalists are board certified in internal medicine, family practice or pediatrics; but some also have additional certification in specialties such as pulmonology, cardiology or critical care medicine.

A hospitalist will help to manage in-patient care, improve outcomes and enhance the overall efficiency of the patient's stay at Martin General Hospital.

At the time of your admission to Martin General Hospital your primary care physician contacts the hospitalist to inform them of your condition and treatment needs. The primary care physician is asked to provide as much information as possible about your illness and health background. This process is similar to what your physician does when referring you to a specialist.

Throughout your stay and at the time of discharge, the hospitalist taking care of you will communicate with your physician.

Upon discharge, written information will be forwarded to your physician's office so he/she will have a record of your care and treatment during your hospitalization in order to resume your medical care.