For Family Caregivers

Hospitalists

Why isn’t my family member’s regular doctor seeing him in the hospital? Who is this “hospitalist” in charge of his care?

These are common questions today as hospital care has changed a lot. Among the changes is the growth of hospitalists - specialists in the care of very sick hospitalized patients. Yet most patients and family caregivers know very little about this change. This guide describes what hospitalists do and don’t do. It offers tips on what family caregivers can do to make sure that hospitalists have all the information they need and that communication flows easily between hospitalists and community doctors.

What Is a Hospitalist?