Hospitalist Program
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| Hospitalist Program |
| Information for Patients |
| Information for Physicians |
| Meet Our Hospitalists |
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Hallmark Health has contracted with Hospitalist vendor Team Health, to recruit and operate the system's Hospitalists program at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Medford and Melrose-Wakefield Hospital in Melrose. We have a Hospitalist physician onsite at each location during the day, seven days a week. The Hospitalists work in tandem with internists and family medicine doctors to continue offering patients the very best care.
By definition, Hospitalists are hospital-based physicians who assume the care of hospitalized patients in the place of patients' primary care physician (PCP). Hospitalists are considered an extension of the primary care doctor's practice, providing treatment, planning the discharge and honoring the PCP's existing referral relationship.
The Hospitalists are board-certified or awaiting certification in internal medicine and are reviewed through the same credentialing procedure as internal medicine physicians. As active members of the medical staff, Hospitalists will participate in committees and educational activities.
Information for Patients
When you need to be admitted to LMH or MWH, your physician will contact one of the Hospitalists at the hospital. Your physician will tell them the reason you need to be admitted and important past medical information. The practice coordinator in the hospital office will ensure all medical records are available to the Hospitalist taking care of you.
During your stay at LMH or MWH, the Hospitalist will keep your physician involved and up to date. At the time of discharge, the Hospitalist will phone your doctor and a brief discharge note will be given to you and a summary will be faxed to your doctor’s office. A more detailed written discharge summary will also be sent to your physician’s office.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q.What is a Hospitalist?
A. A Hospitalist is a physician who specializes in the care of hospitalized patients and whose practice is in the hospital not in an office. Our Hospitalists are trained in internal medicine. They are well-versed in the unique needs of the hospitalized patient.
Q. What are the benefits of having a Hospitalist?
A. Our Hospitalists offer not only compassionate care but also timely care.Whether you have a question or you need urgent medical attention, our Hospitalists are available to meet your needs. Because these dedicated physicians don't have office hours, they are devoted to the care of hospitalized patients. This means they are available for personal discussions with you about your care.
Q. What is the role of a Hospitalist during my stay?
A. The Hospitalist’s job is to help you return home as quickly and as healthy as possible. Hospitalists do this by designing an individualized treatment plan for each patient. Hospitalists work with a team of nurses and other healthcare professionals to provide this personal attention.
Q. How does the Hospitalist work with my physician?
A. From admission to discharge, our Hospitalists communicate with your physician.When you are discharged the Hospitalist will prepare a brief discharge summary, which will be faxed to your physicians office. The Hospitalist will call your doctor to let him/her know you are going home.
Q. After I am discharged and before I see my regular physician in the office, if I should have a question who do I call?
A. During your admission and at the time of your discharge, the Hospitalist will be in contact with your PCP. They will have all the information necessary to answer your questions. If your doctor needs other information, they have direct access to the Hospitalist. If you should ever have a question, we will help you get the answers you need.
Information for Physicians
Learn more about the programs benefits:
- Regular communication between you and the hospitalist about your patients condition and progress
- Fewer delays and interruptions at your office
- All of your patients returned to you for follow up care
- Efficient and timely inpatient care
- Facilitation of admissions via emergency department or directly from you office
Find out how to enroll:
Thank you for your interest in Hallmark Health's Hospitalist Program. To enroll please contact Jessica Miles, Hospitalist coordinator @ 781-979-3861, or simply fill out the survey provided and fax it to 781-979-3860.
Click here to download the survey [Word Document]
Meet Our Hospitalists
Sophanna Chea Thim
Carol Rabbottino
Team Health Physicians
Current Hospitalists
Dr. Syed Ali
Feb. 29 2012
