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Hospitalist Physician Care at St. John's Mercy Hospital
Hospitalists manage your care while you are in the hospital, coordinating and consulting with specialists, monitoring your progress, and staying in close touch with you, your family and your primary care doctor. Hospitalist programs are offered by many hospitals across the country. Hospitalist doctors are nationally accepted to be excellent health care partners to your primary care doctor.
This valuable service is an important part of St. John's Mercy Hospital's commitment to providing exceptional health care. The hospitalist program is consistent with
our mission to "touch the lives of those we serve with compassion and exceptional Mercy Service." |
 Craig Siegel, MD,
Clinical Director,
St. John's Mercy Hospitalists of Washington
Dr. Siegel is board certified in Internal Medicine and joined St. John's Mercy Medical Center's Hospitalist program in 2004. In August 2008, he became the clinical director of the hospitalist program at St. John's Mercy Hospital in Washington, Mo. |
What is a Hospitalist physician?
Hospitalists are highly trained medical doctors who focus all of their attention on patients in the hospital. They will closely monitor you during your hospital stay and are available in case of emergencies and whenever concerns arise. The Hospitalist caring for you will coordinate your care and keep your primary care doctor as well as you and your family informed of your condition and progress on a daily basis. Hospitalists provide the highest quality care in a timely and personalized manner. This coordinated approach will ensure superior care while you are in the hospital and a smooth transition home.
What is the Hospitalist's role in my care?
Hospitalists are available to provide immediate, expert care for patients admitted to the hospital. Because the Hospitalist works only in the hospital and they are here on a daily basis, they are available to provide timely answers to any question that you or your family may have. Your primary care doctor works in close partnership with the Hospitalist; they consult regularly regarding your condition and treatment plan. The Hospitalist will examine you, update your medical history and coordinate your tests and treatments while you are in the hospital. In this efficient environment, patients are often able to go home sooner.
How are Hospitalists trained?
Hospitalists at St. John's Mercy Hospital are highly skilled medical professionals who are either board certified or board eligible. These doctors have taken a particularly strong interest in this area and can best coordinate the care you receive from the hospital staff.
How do I contact my Hospitalist?
If you need to speak to your Hospitalist, ask your nurse to page him or her. You may speak with your primary care doctor during your follow-up visit, or for more pressing concerns, you may contact their office at any time.
What happens when I leave the hospital?
To ensure a smooth transition, a summary of your hospital stay including post-discharge plans and medications will be forwarded to your primary care doctor by your Hospitalist on the day you go home. At this time, your primary care doctor will resume responsibility of your care.
What happens if I don't have a primary care doctor?
It is important that you follow-up with a primary care doctor. At the time of discharge, the Hospitalist will refer you to a primary care doctor and provide your hospital stay information to that doctor.
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