Coordinating Your Care

Patients requiring hospitalization — either at the recommendation of a primary care physician or through the emergency room — receive around-the-clock, comprehensive care arranged through Mount Sinai's Hospitalist Program.

Our hospitalists are physicians who specialize in taking care of patients admitted to the hospital. They partner with your primary care doctor to manage every aspect of your care for the length of your hospital stay — an assurance that expert medical care is always accessible.

Mount Sinai hospitalists are available onsite 24 hours, seven days a week, to:

• Manage and coordinate every activity and procedure involved with your stay
• Consult with your primary care physician or specialist to assess the nature and status of your condition and devise the appropriate plan of treatment
• Address the questions and concerns expressed by you and family members

Frequently Asked Questions

The following questions and answers address the role of the hospitalist and your coordination of care at The Mount Sinai Medical Center.

What does a hospitalist do?

A hospitalist is responsible for your medical care during your hospital stay. The hospitalist physician consults with specialists and staff to evaluate, monitor, and coordinate any procedures you require. The hospitalist discusses the nature and status of your condition with your primary physician, and together they develop a plan of treatment.

Why isn't my regular physician seeing me in the hospital?

The demands of private practice or a hospital admission on a physician's hours can be taxing. Having immediate access to your doctor or specialist is not always possible. For this reason, the referring physician can arrange to have your care co-managed by one of Mount Sinai's hospitalists.

The benefit is that you have around-the-clock access to a doctor focused entirely on the care of hospitalized patients. Our onsite physicians have the expertise to administer to your needs, ensuring continuity of high-level care while you are a patient with us. Hospitalist physicians are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Will my physician and the hospitalist work together?

Communication is important to a successful relationship between your primary care physician and the hospitalist. During your stay, our hospitalist physician will visit you routinely and consult regularly with your doctor to establish the appropriate treatment plan and see that it is carried out. They will exchange information that includes the nature and status of your condition, medical history, medications, procedures, and special needs.

Who will write prescriptions for medications prescribed in the hospital?

The hospitalist will arrange for any prescriptions you may need while you are an inpatient.

How should my family and I communicate with the hospitalist?

We recognize the importance of providing you with as much information as possible about the care you receive. During your stay, one of our hospitalist physicians will be responsible for directing and coordinating your medical care and will be available to answer questions or concerns you or your family may have about your condition and treatment plans.

During any of the hospitalist’s visits, feel free to ask questions or seek clarification about anything you may not understand. If you have any questions at other times, you may ask the nurse in charge of your care to page the hospitalist physician.

What happens when the hospital discharges me?

Before leaving the hospital, you will receive written and verbal instructions about your home treatment plan, which may instruct you to make an appointment with your primary physician. The hospitalist will provide your primary care doctor with a written discharge summary containing vital information collected about your inpatient diagnosis and treatment. After your discharge, your primary physician will resume regular responsibility for your care.

It is important that you follow through with your discharge instructions, including making the necessary office appointments with your physician. If you have questions or need assistance following your hospital discharge, you will need to contact your primary care provider.

What kind of hospital bills should I expect after discharge?

Before your surgery, a member of the Finance Department will call to verify your insurance information. Depending on your coverage, you may have to pay a deposit or take care of your copay prior to your procedure. Please be aware that you will receive bills from all attending physicians and specialists involved in your care in addition to the hospital bill.

Please feel free to call Financial Counseling at 212-731-3600 with your questions or concerns. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.