If you are admitted to the hospital, will a specialist see you?

Most primary care physicians (PCPs) who admit patients to a hospital are family practitioners or internists. Since medicine becomes more complex each day, PCPs must remain up-to-date on the latest treatment related to drugs, surgery, procedures, risks, complications, and costs. This might require your PCP to be a quarterback bringing together a team of consulting specialists to guide you through your hospital stay. The economics of hospitalization are changing, and since you or your loved one upon admission are already challenged by the physical and emotional threat of illness, I bring you a cautious forewarning how your hospital care may be compromised. Some PCPs are being told not to have consulting specialists see their patients. Why? It saves money, and decreases the length of stay (LOS) of the patient. These PCPs are employed hospitalists, typically just out of training with high education debt, young families, and new mortgages. It is easy for their medical group to dangle their contract forcing financial decisions, instead of medical decisions. Continue reading ... Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: Journals (General) Authors: Tags: Physician Heart Hospital Source Type: blogs