Inpatient Care
What is inpatient care?
Role of Hospitalists in Inpatient Care
A hospitalist is a doctor who specializes in caring for patients while they are in the hospital. Our hospitalists have completed specialized training in:
- Internal medicine
- Combined internal medicine and pediatrics
- Family practice
Hospitalist care helps you improve by providing continuous care and attention while in the hospital from a specially trained doctor. They manage complicated medical needs and make sure treatments happen on time. Hospitalist care is personalized to ensure you get the right treatments and your needs are met while receiving inpatient hospital care.
After you check out of the hospital, the hospitalist will provide detailed notes about your stay, including test results, treatments and medications, to your primary care provider (PCP) to help in your follow-up care and recovery.
Admission and Discharge with a Virtual Nurse
Virtual nurse services play an essential role in your recovery by ensuring you have quality time to ask questions about your upcoming treatments and the instructions you will need to follow after your discharge from the hospital.
When you are admitted to the hospital, an admissions nurse will connect with you virtually through technology in your room or visit your room to walk you through the admission process and answer any questions.
When it’s time for you to go home, a discharge nurse will connect with you virtually through technology in your room or visit your room to go over your discharge instructions. They will explain your after-visit summary and medication instructions, help set up follow-up appointments and arrange transportation if needed.
At discharge, you and your family will have plenty of time to talk to the nurse and ensure you understand the instructions and follow-up care you need after leaving the hospital.
What to Expect During Your Hospital Stay
After you are assigned to a room, you will meet your care team. Depending on your situation, your care team will include nurses and a hospitalist; however, it may include other providers like dietitians, physical therapists and specialists. They will explain your treatment plan and may order additional diagnostic testing. Some diagnostic testing may be performed in your room, while others may require your care team to transport you to the specialized equipment.
Your care team works together to monitor your condition and adjust your treatment plan. You are encouraged to actively participate in your recovery by asking questions and participating in your treatment plan. If you have questions or concerns, please ask a member of your care team.
What to Expect After Your Hospital Stay
After leaving the hospital, you may have questions about your recovery or need additional support. You can stay connected to your care team for up to 30 days after discharge through an easy-to-use app. You will receive a link to download the app via email or text. The app can also be accessed through OSF MyChart.
The app allows you to:
- Ask questions and receive responses from their care team.
- Access educational materials related to their recovery.
- Schedule follow-up appointments.
This service is available 24/7 to help you heal at home, giving you peace of mind as you recover. Whether you need guidance on managing symptoms, understanding medications or scheduling follow-up care, support is just a message away.