The Hospitalist Program at Corning Hospital 

Click here to view all hospitalists at Corning Hospital.

What is a hospitalist?
A hospitalist is a physician who specializes in providing acute care for patients in the hospital setting. A hospitalist does not have an outpatient practice, thus enabling him or her to focus 100% of his or her work schedule on a patient's needs while hospitalized.

How does a hospitalist benefit patients?
In case of emergency, a hospitalist is never far away. A hospitalist works in the hospital and will see patients more than once a day, if necessary. Hospitalists know every specialist and department in the hospital and can coordinate specialty care for patients as needed. Hospitalists aid in a patient's recovery because they follow up on tests results promptly.

When do hospitalists work?
Hospitalists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,365 days a year. At Corning Hospital, two hospitalists are on staff from 7:00 AM through 7:00 PM, and "hand off" all pertinent patient information to the hospitalist on staff from 7:00 PM through 7:00 AM.

Does insurance cover a hospitalist's care?
Yes, insurance covers the hospitalist's visits to a patient's room just as it would if a patient's primary care provider visited him or her.

Can a patient still see his or her primary care provider?
The hospitalist will keep a patient's primary care physician apprised of the condition of his or her patient, however, the hospitalist will provide care to the patient during his/her hospital stay. The hospitalist will confer with other specialists, as needed, to provide a plan of care.

How will a patient's primary care provider know about his or her patient's stay in the hospital?
The patient's primary care physician will receive a full explanation in writing that summarizes the patient's hospital stay, diagnoses, medications, and follow-up plan. 

Will the hospitalist be available to talk with family members?
Yes. Since hospitalists are available 24 hours a day, they are able to spend more time talking to a patient and his or her family about any questions they may have about their loved one's condition and/or treatment. As always, it's important for the patient to give the hospitalist permission to discuss his or her clinical care with family members. A patient's right to confidentiality and privacy is always protected. Information on a patient's care can only be provided once the patient has consented.

Is the hospitalist involved in follow-up care once the patient is released from the hospital?
A hospitalist does not have an office practice and only manages in-hospital care. Follow up care will be provided by the patient's primary care physician.