If you are hospitalized at UMass Memorial Medical Center, your care will be coordinated by one of our specially trained hospitalists from admission to discharge. Your hospitalist will see you every day to manage your treatment while you’re here, and be available to answer any questions you or your family may have.

Your hospitalist also will work closely with your primary care physician (PCP) while you’re in the hospital, keeping him or her informed of your condition. And you’ll return to your PCP’s care when you’re discharged.

What Is a Hospitalist?

A hospitalist is a medical doctor – usually one who specializes in internal medicine or family medicine – who focuses exclusively on your care while you’re in the hospital. A hospitalist works at the hospital full time.

What Services Do UMass Memorial Hospitalists Provide?

UMass Memorial hospitalists are at the Medical Center in Worcester 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They are available to see patients as many times as needed, around the clock, overseeing each patient’s care plan and providing such services as:

• Ordering medical tests or evaluations
• Interpreting test results
• Calling in other specialists for consultations or to participate in your care
• Recommending treatments while you’re hospitalized
• Prescribing any medications you may need during your hospitalization and after discharge
• Coordinating care from nurses, pharmacists, therapists or other inpatient providers you may need
• Arranging for your discharge when you’re ready to leave the hospital

What Benefits Do Hospitalists Offer Patients?

• High-quality care is available to you 24/7 from highly trained physician specialists, and you can see them as often as needed while in the hospital.
• Because hospitalists are on site, care decisions are made quickly as situations arise; treatments can be modified and test results followed up on immediately.
• This careful attention helps prevent medical complications, reduce hospital stays and lower costs.