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HOSPITALIST

CARY BYNUM | JULY 13, 2010 | BEING A PATIENT

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A friend of mine just spent several days in a hospital in intense pain without a diagnosis (admitted through the ER). Her primary care doc apparently no longer handles inpatient care. The hospitalist she was assigned to never visited her over the course of three or so days. There was at least one misdiagnosis that might could have been avoided. To make a long story short, it turned out okay but here's my question(s): Is the trend for internists/pcps to not follow their hospitalized patients...and do hospitalists as a rule see patients under their care in person. Or have I just been watching too much House?

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	Patt Christie 07/15/2010 01:32:57 PM	I don't know the answer to your question, Cary, but this was my last hospital experience, a little more than 18 months ago: My internist admitted me through the Barnes-Jewish Hospital ER and she (or another internist from her practice) saw me every single day, including over the weekend. I was in for six days. I did see other hospital physicians and specialists, but MY internist was there. And, BTW, she's with BJC Medical Group (Central Medical Group).
	Sean White 07/15/2010 05:18:50 PM	Mr. Bynum, First off let me say how sorry I am that your friend had such a challenging stay at whichever hospital she was admitted, but I am glad to hear that things turned out okay for her. Now in response to your questions, the use of hospitalists is a growing trend, with some accounts showing the number of hospitalist tripling from 1995 to 2006. Studies have shown that the use of hospitalists can have a positive impact on patient outcomes and results in shorter lengths of stay for patients. Hospitalists, in general, see their patients in person and direct and coordinate the care of the patient. The patient’s care is the primary responsibility of the hospitalist, who then keeps the patient’s PCP informed of the treatment and progress being made. After discharge, the PCP resumes managing the patient’s care. I hope I’ve been able to answer your questions to your satisfaction and I can tell you that at BJC we continually strive to improve our patient care in all areas. Sincerely, Sean White Coordinator, Communications and Marketing BJC Medical Group

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