St. John's Mercy Pediatric Hospitalist Physicians
What is a pediatric hospitalist physician?
A pediatric hospitalist physician is a board-certified or board-eligible pediatrician
who specializes in the care of children who are hospitalized.
Rest assured
that the pediatric hospitalists are in the hospital 24 hours a day, 7
days a week and will respond to all pediatric emergencies in any of our pediatric
areas.
What type of care do pediatric hospitalists
provide?
The pediatric hospitalist is available to:
- Admit your child, including
taking a detailed history and performing an admission physical exam
- Perform
procedures such as a lumbar puncture or inserting special IV lines or
catheters
- Monitor lab and x-ray
results
- Quickly evaluate any
change in condition
- Write orders
- Provide
education about your child’s illness
- Discharge your child
from the hospital when ready.
Does the pediatric
hospitalist see all patients admitted to St. John’s Pediatrics?
No. Private physicians vary in their utilization of the pediatric hospitalists.
Your physician may choose to direct the care of your child without the assistance
of the pediatric hospitalist.
What role does
the pediatric hospitalist have during my child’s hospital stay?
Pediatric hospitalists at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center see patients
for a variety of reasons. Your child may be referred to the pediatric hospitalist
if:
- Your child does not
have a private physician in the community
- Your private physician
may not be on the staff of St. John’s Mercy
- Your private physician
may be unavailable while your child is in the hospital
- Your private physician
would like urgent concerns to be addressed or prompt follow up on tests
- Some
private physicians prefer to work with the pediatric hospitalist through
a team approach. Your private physician directs the care of your child
while in the hospital with the help of the pediatric hospitalist.
Will my private physician
be notified of the care that the pediatric hospitalist is providing?
Yes. The pediatric hospitalist will communicate with your private physician
regarding admission, lab and x-ray results, any change in status and when your
child is ready to go home.
Will my child see the pediatric
hospitalist if he/she is here for a test that requires sedation?
If your child is admitted for a procedure or test that requires sedation, the
pediatric hospitalist will be a vital part of the team caring for your child.
The
pediatric hospitalist will:
- Admit your child
- Write
the orders for the sedation
- Administer the sedative
- Stay
with your child during the procedure or test
- Accompany your child
back to the room where he or she was admitted
- Discharge your child
when ready
St. John’s Mercy
Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, strives to provide your child with
comprehensive, high quality, compassionate care. Families who come to St.
John’s Mercy recognize our experience and skill in treating
children of all ages – from the tiniest "preemie" to adolescents
approaching adulthood. At St. John’s Mercy Medical Center, we are dedicated
to providing a healthy future for your child.
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