As a patient at Yuma Regional Medical Center, you deserve to receive the best care possible, which is why we offer comprehensive hospitalist programs. A hospitalist is a physician or advanced practice professional who specializes in caring for patients in a hospital setting. Our hospitalists are board-certified and specially trained to understand the unique needs of hospitalized patients.
Here are a few of the frequently asked questions we receive about our hospitalist program:
What hospitalist services do you provide?
- Primary Care Hospitalist
- Neurology Hospitalist
- Pediatric Hospitalist
What are the advantages of having a hospitalist care for me?
Since they are on site 24-hours a day, seven days a week, they are able to provide you with around-the-clock care. If you have a medical emergency at any time during your stay, a hospitalist can be at your bedside within minutes.
How will a hospitalist work with me during my hospital stay?
Together with your primary care physician, your hospitalist physician or advanced practice professional will plan and manage your treatment throughout your inpatient stay at Yuma Regional Medical Center. Once you are admitted, your hospitalist will coordinate your care plan and provide honest, considerate answers to your questions. Your hospitalist will assist you through a smooth and speedy recovery process by following up on tests and adjusting your care throughout the day.
Your hospitalist will also work with you and your family to personally answer and discuss any questions you may have about your illness, medications and care plan during your hospital stay. If you need to speak to your hospitalist at any time, simply ask your nurse to page them.
How does the hospitalist learn about my medical history?
Your hospitalist physician or advanced practice professional will spend extra time learning about you. Once you are admitted, they will contact your primary care physician to review your medical history and current condition. If your primary care physician has an electronic health record system, it may be possible for your hospitalist to access your medical history through YRMCCare, Yuma Regional Medical Center’s electronic health record system. He or she will also review any past medical records that you may have at the hospital and will gather information from you and your family.
How does seeing a hospitalist affect my ability to see my primary care physician?
Because hospitalists are in the hospital all day, your primary care physician can focus on being available to you in the office setting with fewer delays and interruptions. Eliminating the need to travel back and forth between the hospital and their office enables your primary care physician to devote more time to keeping you and your family healthy.
When will I see my primary care physician?
When you are discharged from Yuma Regional Medical Center, your hospitalist will update your primary care physician on the care you received in the hospital, including any prescriptions you were given upon discharge and/or further recommendations for treatment or follow-up care. As part of your discharge instructions, you will be asked call your primary care physician to schedule a follow-up appointment. It is important to your health that you see your doctor after your hospital stay.
What if I do not have a primary care physician?
As ongoing medical care is necessary to keep you healthy, it is important that you establish a relationship with a primary care physician and follow up with them. You will receive a list of community physicians and advanced practice professionals accepting new patients before you are discharged from the hospital. You can then call the provider of your choice to become established as a new patient and receive follow-up care.