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What is a Pediatric Hospitalist?
Pediatric Hospitalists are physicians who are board certified in Pediatrics and whose primary professional focus is the care of hospitalized children. Pediatric Hospitalists treat children only during their hospital stay and, upon discharge, return care to their primary care physician.

What does the Pediatric Hospitalist do?
Pediatric Hospitalist duties include patient care on the ward and in the nursery, teaching and leadership related to the care of children at VVMC. They may also be consulted by surgeons to participate in your child’s care. Pediatric Hospitalists coordinate all aspects of your child’s care while at VVMC.  

How will the Pediatric Hospitalists know my child is in the hospital?
Your primary care provider will request the care of a Pediatric Hospitalist upon admission to the hospital. 

How will my child benefit from the Pediatric Hospitalist?
By focusing their practice on the care of hospitalized patients, Hospitalists have a great deal of experience in the unique aspects of patients' needs during the hospital stay. Hospitalists typically spend most of their work day in the hospital, and are, therefore, readily available for their patients. In addition, more timely care is available because Hospitalists are based at Vail Valley Medical Center and can make quicker decisions as situations arise. They can modify treatment or follow up on a test result on the spot. This hands-on approach not only helps prevent medical complications, but also results in reduced hospital stays and lower costs. And, Hospitalists readily consult with the patient's family.

The Hospitalist program provides:

• Optimal contact with the referring/primary care physician;
• Communication between the Hospitalist and the patient's referring physician and primary care physician;
• A familiar and consistent approach to inpatient care;
• A consultative resource for physicians – all patients are returned to the referring physician for ongoing care; and
• High quality, patient-centered care, in the tradition of Vail Valley Medical Center.