TO VERIFY:  Contact Ginnie Flynn , director of public relations
630-435-0356 x118 or gflynn@iafp.com.  

August 3, 2005
RE:  Hospitalists a good fit when all parties agree  

Dear Editor:  

Although I cringed at the headline “Hospitalists emerge as in-house replacements for the family doctor,” (July 24) the article provided a thoughtful look at the issues surrounding the emerging number of hospitalists coordinating inpatient care.   

When someone is admitted to the hospital, especially in an emergency, it can be frightening and confusing for both the patient and the family.  It’s vital that the physician who coordinates the care of that person can effectively communicate with the patient, family members and other providers.  

In some cases, only the patient’s primary care physician can effectively provide the patient with the sense of security he or she needs.  For other patients, a staff hospitalist can effectively fill that role.  It’s important that patients and their primary care doctors continue to have the choice in deciding who oversees their hospital care.     

Finding the right balance between cost management and patient satisfaction is the constant question we face in almost every aspect of health care delivery.  At the same time, the economics of health care are complex and many office-based primary care physicians do find it financially rewarding to provide hospital care for their patients rather than “handing them off” to hospitalist.  and sometimes physicians really wants to “be there” for their patients in the hospital.    

While the majority of hospitalists are internists, family physicians can – and do- provide hospitalist services in U.S. hospitals.  As long as the hospitalist system is voluntary and primary care physicians who wish to care for their hospitalized patients can do so – diverse patients’ expectations will be better served.  Using an evidence-based approach to care, healthcare teams, and decision support, family physicians and hospitalists can maximize results.  

I hope Kelly Kleiman’s article prompts Tribune readers to think ahead about what they want should they be hospitalized.  I would encourage patients to talk to your primary care physician now about who will oversee your care in the hospital.    

Sincerely,  
Fredric D. Leary, M.D.
President
Oak Park, Ill.