Medicine has changed drastically in the last 10 to 15 years and not for the better. If you, a relative, or close friend are scheduled for surgery or hospitalized for a medical problem, it is very important to know about a new type of doctor called a "hospitalist.
Hospitalists are doctors who only see hospital patients. They usually do not have an office, but work eight hour shifts in a hospital. My experience with them has been extremely poor. The ones with whom I have had contact did not review old medical records, even when they were in the same hospital record room, didn't talk with family members, or the patient's private physicians. They briefly see their assigned patients, write any necessary orders and quickly leave after their shift is over. No personal relationship is established with the patients or their families. When the patient is discharged, no information is sent to the family doctor.
I hope my experience and that of others I have interviewed are different from one you might have, but for now I would urge great caution if your medical care or that of a loved one is turned over to a hospitalist. Knowing how they work will allow you to oversee and demand better care. Good luck!
