What is a Hospitalist?

Hospitalists are American Board of Pediatrics Certified physicians who specialize in caring for hospitalized pediatric and nursery patients. They do not maintain office hours outside of the hospital. Typically, your child can be effectively treated in your community hospital by a board certified pediatric hospitalist for the following:

• I.V. Hydration
• Bronchiolitis
• Asthma/Moderate Respiratory Distress
• Urinary Tract Infection
• Pneumonia
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Pediatric Hospitalists are also present for virtually all c-section deliveries.

When Will I See My Primary Doctor?

In Butler, as in many other areas of the country, primary care physicians or pediatricians refer patients to a pediatric hospitalist when the child is too ill to be cared for outside the hospital.

During your child’s hospital stay, you may be seen by a pediatric hospitalist. You should schedule an appointment with your regular doctor soon after discharge from the hospital. Upon discharge, your physician is given a summary of your child’s course of treatment while in the hospital.

How does the Pediatric Hospitalist know about me?

Pediatric Hospitalists communicate with your primary care physician or pediatrician as often as needed during your child’s hospitalization regarding treatment. Like your physician, the hospitalist will have access to your child’s Butler Memorial Hospital electronic medical records.
The process of entrusting your child’s care to a pediatric hospitalist is similar to what your physician does when he or she refers you to a specialist for additional tests or treatment.

Pediatric Hospitalists Provide Many Benefits to Your Child and Your Doctor

Hospitalists keep a close eye on your child’s health.

In case of emergency, your hospitalist is available 24 hours a day during their hospital admission. Your hospitalist knows every specialist and department in the hospital and guides your child’s treatment by following up on tests and adjusting treatment regimens in an efficient and timely manner.

Hospitalists answer your family’s questions.

During critical and stressful moments, hospitalists provide answers to your medical questions. Since hospitalists work only in the hospital, they are able to spend more time talking to the parents and family about their child’s care. They don’t have to get back to their office to see other patients.

Hospitalists help your primary care doctor be more available to you.

For many patients and physicians, working with a hospitalist team is a more efficient process because it enables your primary care physician or pediatrician to be more available to you in the office and enables the hospitalist to be more available to care for your child when they are at their sickest in the hospital