The Hospitalist Program at the Medical University of South Carolina [MUSC] coordinates and ensures continuity of care for patients from admission to discharge. MUSC leadership created the program upon recognizing the benefits of hospitalists on a national level. Hospitalists are physicians who are experts in inpatient medicine and can provide in-patients with an elevated level of care throughout their hospital stays.

Heading up the MUSC team of hospitalists is Dr. Patrick Cawley.

The Hospitalist program provides:

• Immediate, easy access to a member of our MUSC staff for urgent phone consultation and/or hospital referral
• Optimal contact with the referring physician. Communication between the hospitalist and referring physician's is of paramount importance at MUSC.
• A familiar and consistent approach to impatient and outpatient care
• A consultative resource for physicians. All patients are returned to a referring physician for ongoing care.
• Timely appointments for patients referred for consultation.
• High-quality, family-centered care, in the tradition of the Medical University of South Carolina

Patient Benefits:

• High-quality care is available 24/7
• Patients see a doctor as often as needed, thus quicker decisions can be made
• Treatment modification or test result follow up can be accomplished on the spot
• Hands-on approach can reduce length of hospital stay and lower costs
• Hospitalists can consult with patient’s family more readily

Patient Perception of Hospitalists:

• Are on site in the hospital and available
• Can expedite and improve patient care
• Are familiar with all key individuals in hospital — medical and surgery consultants, discharge planners, clergy, etc.
• Can better facilitate connection with post-acute providers, i.e. home health care, etc.

Hospitalists Value to Physician Community:

• Primary care physicians can now focus attention on their office
• Can better refine needed outpatient skills
• Know that their in-hospital patients are receiving excellent care