 What is a Hospitalist?
A Hospitalist is a physician who specializes in caring for patients in the hospital setting. The Sanford Children's Hospitalist Team is comprised of board certified pediatric medicine physicians who practice solely within Sanford Children's Hospital. Our Hospitalist physicians do not maintain an outpatient practice.
Why Am I Seeing a Hospitalist?
The Sanford Children's Hospitalist team cares for patients referred by the emergency department, primary physician or specialty physician when it is felt that the Hospitalist's expertise and care is required. In many areas of the country, primary care physicians are referring their patients to a Hospitalist when their patients are sick enough that they can no longer be cared for in the outpatient setting. In such cases, you will always see your regular doctor soon after discharge.
The Sanford Children's Hospitalist Team: We're Here to Help You Get Better!
Benefits of a Hospitalist
Because they work only in the hospital, and because a member of the Hospitalist team is available 24 hours a day, your Hospitalist is never more than a few minutes away, and can respond immediately to any emergency. Hospitalists know every specialist and department in the hospital, and can help coordinate the whole health care team. They will assist you through a smooth and speedy recovery process while working closely with your primary care physician or referring specialist. Once your treatment is complete, you will return to your primary care doctor.
A Win-Win Proposition
Because Hospitalists are in the hospital all day, your doctor can be with you in the office with fewer interruptions and delays. Your primary care doctor will be able to devote more time to keeping you and your family healthy. For many patients and physicians, working with the Sanford Children's Hospitalist Team is a win-win proposition. Your primary care physician becomes more available to you in the office and the Hospitalist is more available to you and your family when you are at your sickest.
To learn more about the Pediatric Hospitalist Program at Sanford Children's Specialty Clinic, please call (605) 312-1000 or 1-800-850-0064. | 
