Hospital Medicine

Patient care provided in a hospital can be very different from that in a clinic or outpatient setting. Throughout our locations, your hospital care will be managed by someone who specializes in providing care in a hospital environment.

A hospital medicine provider, or hospitalist, is a board-certified physician or advanced practice provider. They deliver around-the-clock care for hospitalized patients. Hospitalists know how to navigate hospital processes and ensure your needs are met during your stay. They also oversee communication between you, your family and all physicians involved in your care.

We believe everyone deserves Mayo Clinic quality, no matter where they live. With specialized hospitalists in place, you can count on your community hospital to deliver the highest level of care.

Find out more about our hospital medicine services:

• Conditions and consultations
• Diagnosis and treatments
• Hospital medicine specialists
• FAQ
• Hospital Medicine locations near you
• Hospital Medicine providers near you

Conditions and consultations

Hospitalists work exclusively in a hospital and are available 24/7 to manage acute illnesses, coordinate treatment and ensure continuity of care. They are trained to diagnose and treat the wide range of conditions that commonly lead to hospitalization.

Conditions we treat include:

• Arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms), such as atrial fibrillation
• Chest pain and acute coronary syndromes, including heart attacks
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) flare-ups
• Diabetes complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis and severe hypoglycemia
• Heart failure
• Pneumonia and other respiratory infections
• Sepsis and severe infections

Hospitalists provide valuable communication among the care team, you and your family. They have access to your medical records. When needed, they can contact your primary care provider for more information.

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Diagnosis and treatments

Hospitalists are typically board certified in family or internal medicine and receive specialized training to treat complex medical diagnoses. They schedule and follow up on tests, procedures and treatments, keeping you and your family informed of all results. Hospitalists also coordinate care among any specialists you may need to see.

Hospitalists provide continuity of care during your hospital stay. They conduct regularly scheduled daily visits to ensure your needs are met. If there is an emergency or you have questions about your care, members of the care team are available.

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Hospital medicine specialists

Hospitalists are involved in every step of the hospitalization process for the patients in their care.

Hospitalists will:

• Observe patients prior to hospital admission
• Provide hands-on medical care and coordination
• Participate in discharge planning

Hospitalists do not work alone; they are part of a hospital medicine team.

The team may include:

• Advanced practice providers
• Case managers
• Dietitians
• Lab technicians
• Occupational therapists
• Physical therapists
• Radiology technicians
• Registered nurses
• Specialist physicians
• Speech therapists
• Social workers

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FAQ

What are the benefits of being cared for by a hospitalist?

Hospitalists work every day within the fast-paced and often intense hospital environment. They gain unique expertise and experience that benefits hospitalized patients.

Having a hospitalist available 24/7 ensures consistent and timely care for patients. It also enhances communication between patients, families and specialty or primary care providers.

How do hospitalists work with my providers?

When you are admitted to the hospital, your primary care or referring provider transfers your care to the hospitalist team. You may see several hospitalists during your stay. Your care team, including your primary care and referring provider, will communicate with each other as needed throughout your stay.

Hospitalists also work closely with surgeons and other specialty and subspecialty physicians. Often, a hospitalist will meet with you before a surgery that requires a hospital stay, including preoperative evaluations, and later during follow-up postoperative care.

Upon discharge from the hospital, your primary care and referring providers resume your care. The hospitalist shares a summary of the hospital care you received and recommendations for a treatment plan and follow-up.

In some cases, hospitalists may work with patients who are preparing to move from the hospital to a nursing home or an assisted-care facility. Doing so helps smooth the transition from one care environment to another.

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Explore locations or providers near you for details on hospital medicine: