What is a Hospitalist
Hospitalists are physicians typically trained in internal medicine or family practice who specialize in the care of hospitalized patients. They provide care for patients requiring medical treatment for diagnoses such as pneumonia, meningitis, gastrointestinal bleeding and chest pain. Hospitalists are familiar with the hospital’s systems, facilities and staff members, and maintain close relationships with specialty physicians such as cardiologists and surgeons. Hospitalists provide patients with continuity of care, allowing them to see the same physician for much of their hospital stay. Because they work in the hospital, hospitalists can check on the patient at least once a day and become familiar with the patient’s progress. They can better coordinate care provided by specialty physicians and ancillary departments, such as physical and occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, social services and nursing case management. Once the patient is released, the patient is referred back to their primary care physician. The hospitalist along with the patient’s physician will communicate and share necessary information about the care given while hospitalized.
Decatur County Memorial Hospital is excited to announce that Dr. Steven He will be joining Dr. Jennifer Fletcher as a hospitalist. Dr. He graduated from the Guangzhou Medical College in Guangzhou City, China in 1982. He specializes in Internal Medicine and Hospitalist and completed his residency at St. Luke’s Hospital.
When asked why he feels hospitalists are important, he said, “We provide very personal care. It allows great communication between a physician and the patient. A hospitalist program communicates with the patient’s primary care physician and also can coordinate any post-hospitalization care needed. Hospitalists are an important member of the care team.”
Dr. He and Dr. Fletcher see patients inside the DCMH Med/Surg patient unit, seven days a week.
Dr. He added, “I am happy to be working here at Decatur County Memorial Hospital. Everyone is very nice and treats me well. I am excited to meet patients and help them with their personal care.”
For more information about our hospitalists and our other physicians, visit our website at www.dcmh.net. Decatur County Memorial Hospital. The quality care you want. Close by.