The Hospitalist Program
To meet the needs of our patients, Springs Memorial Hospital has partnered with Apogee Medical to offer hospitalized patients access to doctors around the clock while allowing private-practice physicians more time to see patients in their offices.
It is called a Hospitalist Program, and with it, SMH has added new physician specialists called “Hospitalists.” These medical doctors specialize in the evaluation and treatment of hospitalized patients. The program employs physicianswho are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide ongoing and immediate care to hospitalized patients.
The Hospitalist Program is available to all physicians on our medical staff. Participation in the program is completely voluntary, with each physician deciding whether he or she will utilize the service, and to what extent.
What is a Hospitalist?
A Hospitalist is a physician who specializes in caring for hospitalized patients. Just like your primary care doctor, hospitalists are trained in general internal medicine and other specialties. However, because Hospitalists do not maintain outside clinics, they can focus all their attention on your medical care inside the hospital.
Why might I see several Hospitalist physicians during my stay at SMH?
The Hospitalists are a small group of specialists who cover this service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Because no one person could do this alone, they work as a team, so you may see more than one Hospitalist during your stay. All of the Hospitalists are in close contact with one another.
Will I receive a bill from the hospitalist group?
If you received care from a hospitalist during your stay, the answer is yes. Your primary care physician and your Apogee physician have formed a partnership to better treat your medical needs and improve your patient care experience. The Apogee physician is an independent physician, not employed by the hospital; therefore you will receive a separate statement from your Apogee hospitalist. The statement you receive will be an itemized accounting of the services provided to you by the Apogee physician during your hospitalization. The statement will provide you a chance to review the services provided in addition to verifying your billing and insurance information. If you have questions about the billing process, call the Apogee office at Springs Memorial Hospital at 803-313-3234.
What is the relationship between the Hospitalist and my primary care physician?
Your primary care physician may ask the Hospitalist to be in charge of your care while you are in the hospital. The Hospitalist will visit you on a daily basis and will be in constant contact with your regular physician. They will work together as a team to help you get the best possible care.
What are the benefits of having a Hospitalist?
Faster Admissions - Hospitalists work closely with your physician and the Emergency Department, as well as ancillary service
departments in the hospital, to ensure that the admission process is not only quick, but also thorough.
What if my family has questions?
Hospitalist physicians will see you at least once a day, and more if needed. This is the best time to ask any questions about your medical care. Your family will be contacted if there are changes in your condition. Family members can contact the Hospitalists through the nursing unit. We request that one family member be designated as the contact person and that multiple family members not call frequently.
Can the Hospitalist become my primary care provider?
No. Patients retain their primary care provider. The Hospitalists’ time is dedicated to SMH inpatients and they do not accept outside patients.
What if I don’t have a regular primary care physician?
The SMH Hospitalist, and other staff at the hospital, can assist you in finding a doctor after you leave the hospital. Records from your hospital stay can be sent to this physician.
What will happen after I am discharged?
Prior to your discharge from the hospital, the Hospitalist will consult with your doctor to plan your future course of care. This allows for a smoother transition of the management of your care back to your doctor. You need to follow through with your discharge instructions, including making necessary appointments with your own physician.