Hospitalist Care Gains Support From OB-GYNs

The increasing role of hospitalists in delivering OB-GYN care is being acknowledged by the nation’s leading group of physicians for women.  In a new advisory opinion from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the group says “the rising number of ob-gyn hospitalists in the US holds promise for benefiting both patients and physicians while also maintaining safe and effective care.”

Writing for ACOG in the July issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Patrice Weiss notes two types of hospital-based practitioners for women.  ”Laborists” generally care for women in labor and manage obstetric emergencies, while a general ob-gyn hospitalist may provide in-house gynecologic services, perform inpatient consultations, and see emergency room patients.

One benefit of hospitalist care for patients, according to ACOG, is having an immediately available, well-rested physician which can enhance patient safety and improve outcomes.

ACOG also sees benefits for OB-GYNs who choose hospital-based employment.  Ob-gyn hospitalists, and laborists, who practice solely in the hospital setting, stand to benefit from more predictable schedules, assistance with medical liability insurance premiums, avoidance of work-related fatigue, and freedom from day-to-day practice worries such as overhead costs, billing, and collections.

“The most important thing when these programs are implemented is to establish and maintain clear, ongoing communication between physicians in practice and hospitalists,” said Dr. Weiss. “It’s vital that the hospitalist and the primary care provider consult with each other regarding the handoff of patients, progress updates, and follow-up care so patient injury is avoided.”