Question 1

What is a hospitalist?

Accepted Answer

A Hospitalist is a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant who specializes in the care of acutely ill patients in the hospital.
He/she usually does not have a private medical practice, or an office, outside the hospital.
Most Hospitalists are trained in either Internal Medicine or Family Medicine. Many have extra training in other specialties as well.
Our hospitalist team provides 24-hour care to our hospitalized patients which means that we can respond quickly to any changes in your condition
You may have one hospitalist who is your main doctor while you are in the hospital, but you will also see other members of the team during nights and weekends.

Question 2

Why do I need a hospitalist?

Accepted Answer

Most primary care doctors do not come to the hospital every day, so they rely on hospitalists to provide the specialized, in-hospital care their patients need.
Because Hospitalists work in the hospital, they can see you more than once a day, if needed. They can also follow up on tests and adjust your treatment throughout the day based on those test results.

Question 3

When will I see my Primary Care Provider?

Accepted Answer

During your hospital stay, you will be seen by the Hospitalist staff. You will see your regular doctor soon after you are released (discharged) from the hospital.
By working with a Hospitalist, your primary care physician can be more available in his or her office when you need an office visit.

Question 4

Will my primary care provider be told about the treatment I receive?

Accepted Answer

Hospitalists talk to primary care doctors often.
The Hospitalist team member will notify your primary care doctor that you were admitted to the hospital, and will discuss your treatment as necessary.
The Hospitalist team will also communicate with your primary care doctor when you leave (are discharged from) the hospital, and will send him or her your hospital records.

Question 5

Can my family members call the hospitalist office for information?

Accepted Answer

We value your privacy - we will not share your personal health information with anyone unless you have released us to do so.
We recommend that you choose one person to be the spokesperson for your family and friends. The person you choose should be the main contact between your family and the Hospitalist Service.
Please keep in mind that the Hospitalist who knows you best is usually available during the day from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. That is the best time for you and your family to talk to him or her.

Question 6

How do I contact the hospitalist service?

Accepted Answer

The best time of day to contact your Hospitalist is between 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. This is when the hospitalist who knows you best is working. There are two ways to get in touch with the hospitalist service:

Call the nursing station and they will connect you

Unit	Nursing Station Phone Number	Unit	Nursing Station Phone Number
Critical Care (CCU)	860-358-8300	North 7 - Acute	860-358-6768
Hospice (South 7)	860-358-6100	North 7 - Community	860-358-6765
North 2	860-358-6940	Pregnancy and Birth	860-358-6320
North 4 - Surgical	860-358-6340	South 4 - Oncology	860-358-4500
North 5 - Surgical	860-358-8350	South 5 - Orthopedics	860-358-4550
North 6 - Medical	860-358-6360	South 6 - Medical	860-358-8260

Call the hospitalist service directly

The hospitalist office main number is 860-358-5322
The Chief of the Hospitalist service, John Machado MD, can be reached at 860-358-6284

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