Your Health Publication Article:
Hospitalists Benefit Patients

Phillip Yu, M.D.

Until recently, whenever patients had to be hospitalized, their primary care physicians (PCP) would provide most of their medical care. Today, however, hospitalized patients may also receive care from a medical professional known as a hospitalist.

“A hospitalist is a doctor who specializes in taking care of patients during their hospital stays,” says Phillip Yu, M.D., the hospitalist director at Sutter Tracy Community Hospital.

If you are a patient at Sutter Tracy or Memorial Medical Center, you may receive care from a hospitalist if:

• You don’t have a PCP
• Your PCP is located far away
• Your PCP has teamed up with the hospitalist program

This program enables a hospitalist to care for another physician’s patients when they are hospitalized. Hospitalists do work closely with a patient’s PCP, keeping him or her informed every step of the way.

Always by Your Side

If you must be admitted to the hospital, it’s comforting to know that your doctor is available for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When you receive care from a hospitalist at Sutter Tracy, that is the case. “Hospitalists don’t have an office practice to tend to, as busy PCPs do, so we can devote all of our attention to patients who are in the hospital,” Dr. Yu says. “Because we’re based right at the hospital, we can be at your bedside within minutes, providing you with the care you need right then and there.”

In addition to receiving round-the-clock care, there are many benefits to working with a hospitalist.

• Hospitalists are available to answer questions from you or family.
• With an office directly inside the hospital, a hospitalist is very knowledgeable about the facility, the staff and the services. This means your needs are met skillfully and efficiently.
• If you have a PCP, your hospitalist will stay in touch with him or her throughout your stay in the hospital. “We notify your doctor when you’re admitted, when your health status changes and when you’re discharged,” Dr. Yu says.

Even More Advantages

Hospitalist programs are becoming increasingly common around the country, and Sutter Tracy Community Hospital is proud to have introduced its program last summer. The program began at Memorial in September 2003.

“Research shows that patients who receive care from a hospitalist have better outcomes and a more positive hospital stay,” Dr. Yu says. “Patients in our community are fortunate to now have these services available right here at their local hospital.”

– Your Health magazine: Winter 2011