Hospitalist contact information:

From within the hospital: If you or your family member is under the care of a hospitalist, your nurse can contact the hospitalist or you can dial ext. 6842.

From outside the hospital: Call 360-756-6842.

PeaceHealth Medical Group operates a hospitalist program, which benefits patients by providing a readily available team of doctors that are always at the hospital. The hospitalist program employs about 10 doctors year-round, all of whom work solely on-site at the hospital.

What is a hospitalist?

Hospitalists are physicians specializing in inpatient medical care with no outpatient responsibilities. Hospitalists spend their workdays at the hospital and do not see patients in an office setting.

Why would I see a hospitalist?

The two typical reasons your treatment might be provided by a hospitalist are:

1. You do not have a primary care physician and have been admitted to the hospital through the St. Joseph Hospital Emergency Department, or

2. Your primary care doctor has asked the hospitalists to oversee your inpatient care. Your physician is still in close contact with the hospitalist regarding your care and condition. Your primary care doctor will follow up with you after discharge and has access to your hospital records.

The benefits of a hospitalist:

• Hospitalists are always at the hospital and available to patients and families.

• Because hospitalists work exclusively at the hospital, they have extensive experience with hospital staff, processes and procedures, which support good continuity of care.

• Hospitalists are available for more face-to-face communication about your care with all key hospital staff, such as pharmacists, therapists and other specialists.

• Hospitalists can respond quickly to a patient in crisis.

• The hospitalist team will help coordinate care, including finding a physician for you after you are discharged, if needed.

• Hospitalists assist primary care doctors to more effectively manage the time they spend at the hospital.

For more information on hospitalists, please browse our Health Information and Resources page.