Hospitalist Program

        Missouri Delta Medical Center is excited to offer the Hospitalist Program to our patients. In the current health care climate, the majority of hospitalized patients are critically ill and require the constant care of a medical specialist. At Missouri Delta Medical Center, we are able to provide the latest in care for our patients by having the availability of a Hospitalist. This emerging trend provides for more direct supervision of care, thus improving efficiency and the quality of care.

What is a Hospitalist?
        A Hospitalist is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of patients during their hospital stay. The Hospitalist can care for them during their stay and provide continuity with a community physician at discharge. The patient's regular physician may choose to have the Hospitalist follow their patient in the hospital or if the patient does not have a regular physician, the hospitalist can care for them during their stay and find them a regular physician at discharge. Our Hospitalist at Missouri Delta Medical Center, Lauren Blackwelder, MD, is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, caring for adult and pediatric patients.

Benefits of a Hospitalist Program

• Around the clock availability during a hospital stay.
• A Hospitalist is available to answer any questions that you or your family may have.
• A Hospitalist is knowledgeable about hospital services.
• Works closely with your regular physician, specialists and hospital staff to coordinate medical services specific to your needs.
• Allows your regular physician to have increased availability to your needs, once you are home.

How Does the Hospitalist Program Work?
        If you need to be admitted to the hospital, your regular physician will contact the hospitalist and discuss your case. Once you are in the hospital, the hospitalist will be in charge of your care. You will be seen daily by the hospitalist who will be in constant contact with your regular physician. They will work together as a team to ensure you get the best possible care. Those patients who do not have a regular physician are admitted through the Emergency Room and found a regular physician at discharge for follow-up.

What Happens When I am Discharged?
        Your hospitalist will immediately share the information about your in-hospital care with your regular physician to ensure the continuity of care out of the hospital. He or she will also assist you in scheduling your first post-discharge office visit with your regular physician.