1. What is a hospitalist?
Hospitalists are physicians whose primary professional focus is the general medical care of hospitalized patients. Their activities include patient care, teaching, research, and leadership related to Hospital Medicine.

2. Why am I cared for by someone other than my primary care doctor when I’m in the hospital?
By focusing his or her practice on the care of hospitalized patient, a hospitalist can gain a great deal of experience in the unique aspects of a patient's needs during the hospital stay. And hospitalists typically spend most or all of their work day in the hospital, and thus can be more readily available to a patient than a doctor who spends much the day outside the hospital in an office or clinic setting.

3. How do the hospitalists know about my medical history?
When you are admitted to the hospital, the doctors will communicate with your primary care physician to obtain your medical history and any other information necessary for your care.

4. Does my primary care doctor know what is going on with me?
Yes. The hospitalist team will inform your primary care physician that you have been admitted, about any change in your condition, and at the time of your discharge from the hospital.

5. What happens when I am discharged from the hospital?
At the time of your discharge, your primary care doctor will be informed. You will receive specific instructions about follow-up with your PCP and/or other specialists and prescriptions for any new or changed medication.