Hospitalists
Hospitalists are doctors whose primary focus is care of the hospitalized patient. About 8,000 such physicians practice in the nation today, and their use has been associated with greater efficiency, smoother continuity of care for inpatients, and reduced costs. Valley Medical Center uses hospitalists on the Pediatrics unit—who are affiliated with our partner, Swedish—and also for adult inpatient care.
Six hospitalists currently care for most adult Valley Medical Center inpatients. While they work as valued members of the VMC team, these physicians are employed by Sound Physicians. Patients who are seen by hospitalists will follow up with their regular doctors after leaving Valley Medical Center. Hospitalists do not see outpatients.
Among the benefits of hospitalists is improved communication with the patient's usual physician. Hospitalists are responsible for ensuring that the patient's usual physician is informed about their progress.
