Navarro Regional Hospitalist Program

What is a hospitalist?

Hospitalists are physicians who devote their practice to the care of hospitalized patients. They see hospitalized patients who have been referred to them by primary care physicians, emergency room physicians or other physicians at the hospital. Navarro Regional Hospital's hospitalists are based in the hospital and will manage and coordinate all aspects of your hospital stay at - from admission until discharge. Navarro Regional Hospital's hospitalists will work closely with your primary care physician and any consulting physicians involved in your care.

Why is a hospitalist caring for me?

Your own primary care physician has requested that a hospitalist be in charge of your care during your stay at Navarro Regional Hospital. In this way you have the benefit of being seen by a physician whose practice is entirely focused on the care of hospitalized patients. Additionally, this can enable your primary care physician to be more available to you and other patients in the office, rather than trying to go back and forth between seeing patients in the office and the hospital.

How does the hospitalist practice work?

The hospitalist will be in charge of your inpatient care and will see you every day to direct your care while you are in the hospital. The hospitalist will be available to you and your family to answer questions and discuss your care. The hospitalist works at Navarro Regional Hospital full time to provide for your care and attend to any emergencies that may arise. The hospitalist may consult other physicians to participate in your care as well.

What is the relationship between the hospitalist and my primary care physician?

The two physicians will work closely together. Your primary care physician can provide information about your past health history to the hospitalists, and the two physicians can discuss any significant findings or events. At the time of admission and discharge, the hospitalist prepares a detailed report of findings and treatment plans that is sent to your primary care physician. Communication continues between the hospitalist and your primary care physician throughout your stay at Navarro Regional Hospital.

Your primary care physician has asked the hospitalist to be in charge of your care while you are in the hospital, but is welcome to check on you and discuss your care with the hospitalist at anytime during your hospital stay.

What if I need another specialist while in the hospital?

Your hospitalist will arrange for any necessary consultations from other physicians. If you have already been seeing other physicians at Navarro Regional Hospital or elsewhere be sure to let us know so that we can keep them informed about your hospital stay.

What happens to my care at discharge?

Since the hospitalist does not have an office-based practice, you will continue care with your primary care physician upon your discharge. The hospitalist will make arrangements for any prescriptions you may need when you are discharged. You may be asked to make an appointment with your primary care physician soon after discharge. You are welcome to contact the hospitalist after discharge if you have any questions about your hospital stay.

What if I don’t have a regular primary care physician?

The Navarro Regional Hospital hospitalist or any other staff at Navarro Regional Hospital can assist in finding a physician for you to see after leaving the hospital. Records from your hospital stay can be sent to this physician.

If you would like to speak with one of the hospitalists while you or a member of your family is in the hospital, it is best to ask the nurse caring for you to page the physician. Otherwise, you can reach us by phone at 903-654-6800.