Hos­pi­tal­ist

Get specialized, high-quality care from a hospitalist, a physician who takes care of only hospital patients when you are at Onslow Memorial Hospital. Our hospitalists are board-certified physicians who are trained in internal medicine or family medicine and are dedicated to providing care for inpatients or for patients who are admitted from the Emergency Department.

What is a Hospitalist?

Hospitalists are physicians who specialize in the care of hospitalized patients. Unlike traditional doctors, hospitalists do not have outpatient practices, allowing them to focus entirely on patients who require inpatient medical care. Their expertise helps coordinate treatment plans, manage acute medical conditions, and ensure seamless communication between departments.

Benefits of Hospitalist Care

One of the primary benefits of hospitalists is their ability to provide immediate medical attention to patients throughout their hospital stay. Our hospitalists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to care for patients admitted to Onslow Memorial Hospital. Since they are on-site at the hospital, they can quickly respond to any changes in a patient's condition, adjust treatments as needed, and address urgent medical concerns without delay. Their round-the-clock presence ensures that urgent medical needs are promptly addressed, reducing wait times and improving patient safety. In addition to monitoring vital signs and adjusting treatment plans, hospitalists also work closely with specialists, nurses, and other healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive, team-based care.This level of accessibility leads to improved patient outcomes and faster recovery times.

Coordination with Primary Care Physicians

Hospitalists work in partnership with primary care physicians to ensure patients receive high-quality care. They maintain clear and open communication with a patient’s regular doctor, providing updates on progress and treatment adjustments. Once a patient is discharged, the hospitalist ensures that all necessary medical information is relayed back to the primary care physician, facilitating a smooth transition back to outpatient care.

Continuing Care

When you leave Onslow Memorial Hospital, your hospitalist will transfer your care back to your primary care doctor with a report about your hospital treatment. If you don’t have a primary care provider, your healthcare support team can assist you with finding a primary care provider.