Hospital Medicine

When you're hospitalized in Eau Claire, you'll be seen by a hospitalist — a provider who is board-certified in family or internal medicine and has received specialized training to treat your complex medical diagnoses. Hospitalists generally work for a week at a time to offer you continuity of care. One of the main goals of a hospitalist is to provide valuable communication among the care team, you and your family.

Benefits of being treated by a hospitalist

In addition to having specialized training, hospitalists are available to follow up on your tests, procedures and treatments. Hospitalists also are available for discussions with you and your family.

Communication with your hospitalist

Information hospitalists need to provide your care comes from you, your family and health care providers. Hospitalists may access your medical record from any of our locations and can contact your primary care provider for more information as needed. Hospitalists generally see you each day. If you are a patient in transitional care, you will not see the hospitalist each day, as you are now progressing in your recovery. You and your family are encouraged to ask questions so you understand your illness and care.

Discharge planning

It's important for you and your family to understand your medical condition and treatment plan. The hospitalist team starts planning for your discharge early in your stay, and you will be included in decisions about your discharge planning.

Observation unit

If you require additional tests and monitoring, you will be cared for in our Rapid Discovery & Recovery observation unit. While in this unit, you have not been admitted to the hospital, and your stay is not classified as a hospital admission. Those who care for you include a hospitalist and other health care providers, including nurses, social workers, respiratory therapists, case managers and pharmacists. The care team decides when you are able to go home or if you need to be admitted to the hospital.

Watch this video tour to learn about the features of the patient rooms, and amenities for family and visitors in the Luther Building:

All patient rooms include features designed for patient comfort, such as remote-controlled music, lights, temperature and window shades; room service-style food service; flat-screen TVs with internet access; integrated charging stations for mobile devices; and free Wi-Fi. All rooms have private bathrooms with showers. Family members can relax in large lounges located on each wing, the central lobby or in the family kitchenette and eating area.