Winona Health’s hospitalist program was developed to provide more immediate physician access for its hospitalized patients and improve the quality, consistency and efficiency of hospital care. A hospitalist is usually an Internal Medicine specialist dedicated to caring for hospitalized patients. Hospitalists are available to hospitalize patients, their families and other care providers throughout the day.

“Having one or more hospitalists available all day improves the quality, consistency and efficiency of hospital care,” said Charles Shepard, MD. “By being accessible to patients, their families and the staff caring for them all day, the hospitalist gets a more complete picture of that patient’s overall condition and needs.”

Dr. Shepard also noted a key advantage to hospitalist programs: “The hospitalist is available to talk with patients and families when the families are there. So when family members can’t be here first thing in the morning, they don’t have to worry about missing their only opportunity to talk with the doctor.”

The hospitalist also plays a key role in the care coordination team which meets every morning to discuss each hospitalized patient’s care plan. This ensures that every member of the team has a complete understanding of each patient’s needs, which leads to the most cohesive and effective care plan.

Hospitalists also keep patients’ primary physicians informed when patients are admitted, discharged or major decisions need to be made.

For more information:

Winona Health
855 Mankato Avenue
Winona, MN 55987
507.457.4333