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Skilled Doctors Playing an Important Role

At Saint Vincent Hospital, we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate care to those in our community. As part of our ongoing commitment to excellence, our Hospitalist Program plays a critical part in providing you with support in getting the care you need. Hospitalists are doctors whose primary focus is providing general medical care for anyone admitted to our hospital.

What Do Saint Vincent Hospitalists Do?

Hospitalists are responsible for many important tasks, including:

 

  • Working in partnership with your primary care doctor to coordinate inpatient care
  • Working closely with nurses, ancillary staff and other specialists involved in your care
  • Being familiar with the hospital’s systems for ordering tests, analyzing results and arranging for treatment
  • Being trained to quickly recognize and respond to changes in the patient’s condition
  • Being available at the hospital 24 hours a day, so they can see patients as frequently as their medical conditions require
  • Promptly providing your doctor with a written report of your hospital visit to facilitate any follow-up care you may need

 

If you do not have a primary care doctor, the Hospitalist team will provide you with a list and arrange your follow-up care.

How Hospitalists Help Primary Care Doctors

Hospitalists practice full-time in the hospital, so they are readily available to help your doctor. When you enter the hospital, a Saint Vincent Hospitalist will immediately begin acting as attending doctor for the length of the hospital stay.

Hospitalists will:

 

  • Provide prompt admission and treatment
  • Oversee your entire hospital stay to provide quality care
  • Communicate ongoing patient status to your primary care doctor on a timely basis

 

Daily activities include:

 

  • Coordinating hospital admissions
  • Arranging diagnostic testing and specialty consultations
  • Explaining findings and discussing recommendations with patients
  • Orchestrating all patient care
  • Providing medical care for patients who need surgical treatment
  • Managing urgent situations that may arise during the hospitalization
  • Reviewing hospital treatment with insurance companies and payers

 

Career Opportunities

If you’re interested in a career as a Hospitalist at Saint Vincent Hospital, call (508) 363-6849 to learn more.

More Information

How Weight Affects Your Joints

When extra weight slows you down, it’s time to look at what’s happening on the inside. If you’re experiencing pain and swelling, your joints might be affected by osteoarthritis, and obesity is one of its primary risk factors.

What is osteoarthritis?

As the most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage between your bones breaks down. The more weight you have on your body, the more pressure you place on your joints, causing the cartilage to erode. If this continues, it could cause disability and keep you from walking and performing other daily activities you enjoy.

Where does osteoarthritis commonly occur?

  • Knees
  • Hips
  • Neck
  • Lower back
  • Hands

What are the signs of osteoarthritis?

  • Pain
  • Inflammation or swelling
  • Lack of flexibility
  • Cracking sound when bending
  • Limited range of motion
  • Weak muscles

How is osteoarthritis diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosis may be done through a review of medical history, lab tests and x-ray. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but your doctor may recommend over-the-counter medications, physical therapy, surgery (if needed) and weight loss.

How can I lose weight?

In addition to osteoarthritis, obesity can lead to other chronic conditions, including heart disease and diabetes, especially if your mobility is limited. It can also increase your risk for falls due to muscle weakness. Take the pressure off by following these seven tips for losing weight:

  1. Eat more protein, fruits and veggies
  2. Drink enough water (At least eight, eight-ounce glasses)
  3. Exercise (150 minutes per week)
  4. Limit sugars, starches and carbohydrates
  5. Control portion size
  6. Chew slowly
  7. Add fiber to your diet (25 grams of fiber each day for a 2,000 calorie diet)

Losing weight isn’t always easy, but taking even a small step toward a healthier lifestyle can make a difference down the road. But you’re not on this journey alone. If you have questions or would like to learn about other weight loss options, talk with your doctor.

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Sources:
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Arthritis Foundation
American Heart Association
Harvard Health Publishing
Healthline

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