Hospitalist programs: are they good for your practice?

With the changes brought about in health care delivery by the growth of Managed Care, the attractions of hospitalist programs are becoming increasingly evident. As the programs have grown in usage, and program models have evolved from mandatory to voluntary, primary care physicians (PCPs) and independent practice organizations (IPAs) have begun to recognize their positive impact on their practices, from both financial and logistic perspectives, as well from those of patient care. This article discusses that effect and reviews the procedures and ramifications of one of the newer program models. Quality of patient care and the provision of successful outcomes via clinical guidelines are addressed as indications of successful hospitalist programs.