Hospitalists

Because AGH and West Penn are staffed seven days a week, 24 hours a day, by a team of experienced physicians, you can be assured that a doctor will be frequently checking on your progress — and will be promptly at your bedside when you need immediate medical attention. As a result, your hospitalist can quickly order diagnostic tests and follow-up with the most appropriate treatment plan. Patients who are closely monitored by a hospitalist often have a shorter length of stay in the hospital. This enables patients to return to their home, a rehabilitation facility or a skilled nursing facility to continue their healing process in familiar and more comfortable surroundings.

Patient-Centered Services Delivered Promptly

Each of our hospitalists is board-certified in internal medicine and provides a variety of services:

• Coordinates and adjusts treatment with acutecare doctors and other specialists, as well as nurses and case managers
• Participates in the care of surgical patients with complicated medical problems
• Promptly orders and interprets tests when an emergency situation arises
• Manages many medical problems including hypertension, diabetes and conditions related to congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease
• Explains procedures, test results and other care issues to you and your family
• Develops a plan of care to ensure that you will have a smooth transition for your return home
• Exchanges information with and provides updates to your PCP

Your Link to Your PCP

Be assured that your hospitalist will make every effort to make your transition from your PCP to the hospital to discharge as seamless as possible.

On the day of your admission, or very early during your stay, you will be introduced to the hospitalist assigned to care for you. The physicians from the Hospitalist Service will maintain daily communication with your PCP to provide updates on your condition and progress.

After you are discharged, your PCP will resume responsibility for providing your medical care. To facilitate a seamless transition of care, your hospitalist will send a complete summary of your hospital stay to your PCP. If you do not have a PCP, your hospitalist will offer referrals to primary care physicians in your community.

How to Voice Your Questions or Concerns

If you have any particular questions or concerns prior to your hospitalization, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your PCP, who can communicate them to the Hospitalist Service.

For more information on our Hospitalist Service, please contact  Mary Ann Hirt, Program
Development Manager at 412.359.6014.