Hospitalist Program

William H. Wooten III, MD Hospitalist Medical Director

River Region Medical Center has recently introduced a hospitalist program to help provide patients with better physician accessibility, coordinated treatments and seamless care.

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. The Hospitalists are based in the hospital and will manage and coordinate all aspects of you hospital stay at River Region Medical Center. The 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 River Region Medical Center. 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. They will be available to you and your family to answer questions and discuss your medical care. This Hospitalist works at River Region Medical Center full time to provide for your care and attend to any emergencies that may arise. They 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 Hospitalist, 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 River Region Medical Center.

Your primary care physician has asked the Hospitalist to be in charge of your care while you are at River Region, 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 in the hospital?

Your Hospitalist will make arrangements for any in-hospital consultations with other physicians (specialists). If you have already been seeing other physicians at River Region 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 is you have any questions about your hospital stay.

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

The River Region Medical Center Hospitalist, or any other member of the medical staff at River Region can assist in finding a physician for you to see after leaving the hospital. Records from you 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, please contact your primary care physician.