Hospitalists

To provide the best possible care while you are in the hospital, your physician may refer you to Bridgeport Hospital’s Hospitalist Service. This means a specially trained hospital medicine physician will manage your care during your stay with us.

What Are Hospitalists?

Hospitalists are attending physicians focused on treating hospitalized patients. They are board-certified or board-eligible in Internal Medicine with specialized knowledge and experience in caring for hospitalized patients' unique needs. Our Hospitalist service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What Are the Advantages of Having A Hospitalist Oversee My Care?

• Because hospitalists are available 24/7, including nights, weekends and holidays, they can visit you more than once each day, closely observe changes in your condition and answer your questions.
• Hospitalists are familiar with hospital processes, procedures and staff. They make sure that your hospital experience is the best it can be.
• Hospitalists can schedule tests and procedures promptly and follow up on results. This often means less time waiting for results and more timely adjustments to your treatment, so you may have a shorter stay.
• Hospitalists can respond quickly if your condition changes.

How Does My Primary Care Provider Learn About My Treatment and Care?

Your hospitalist and primary care provider work together. Your primary care provider asks the hospitalist to manage your in-hospital care. When you are admitted, your hospitalist will tell your primary care provider. Your hospitalist also will contact your primary care provider for any additional information or updates. Finally, your hospitalist will tell your primary care provider when you are discharged.

Who Takes Care of Me When I Am Discharged from the Hospital?

• Your hospitalist will talk to your primary care provider about your in-hospital care and any necessary follow-up care. Your primary care provider will receive a summary of your stay, including your hospital diagnosis, and treatment.
• You will return to the care of your primary care provider. Hospitalists do not have outpatient practices, so you will not have an appointment to see the hospitalist after discharge.
• Follow your discharge instructions, including any office appointments with your primary care provider.
• Your hospitalist will arrange any new prescriptions when discharged. Please contact your primary care provider to refill your prescriptions.
• Contact your hospitalist after discharge if you have questions about your hospital stay.
• If you do not have a physician in the area, your hospitalist will refer you to one.