Hospitalists are physicians typically trained in internal medicine or family practice who specialize in the care of hospitalized patients. They provide care for patients requiring medical treatment for diagnoses such as pneumonia, meningitis, gastrointestinal bleeding and chest pain. Hospitalists are familiar with the hospital’s systems, facilities and staff members, and maintain close relationships with specialty physicians such as cardiologists and surgeons. Hospitalists provide patients with continuity of care, allowing them to see the same physician for much of their hospital stay. Because they work in the hospital, hospitalists can check on the patient at least once a day and become familiar with the patient’s progress. They can better coordinate care provided by specialty physicians and ancillary departments, such as physical and occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, social services and nursing case management. Once the patient is released, the patient is referred back to their primary care physician. The hospitalist along with the patient’s physician will communicate and share necessary information about the care given while hospitalized.
Decatur County Memorial Hospital is excited to announce that Dr. Kirk Crouser has joined Dr. Jennifer Fletcher as a hospitalist. Dr. Crouser graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 1998. He specializes in Internal Medicine and completed his residency at Summa Health System in Ohio.
Dr. Crouser has two daughters, Amanda and Meghan. His hobbies include rebuilding cars, woodworking and spending time with his family.
When asked why he feels hospitalists are important, he said, “We provide very personal care. It allows great communication between a physician and the patient. A hospitalist program communicates with the patient’s primary care physician and also can coordinate any post-hospitalization care needed. Hospitalists are an important member of the care team.”
Dr. Crouser and Dr. Fletcher see patients inside the DCMH Med/Surg patient unit, seven days a week.
Dr. Crouser added, “I am looking forward to working with the staff here at DCMH. I have been at much larger hospitals and you do not get to know anyone personally. DCMH has a home feeling that a lot of places do not have and I like that.”
For more information about our hospitalists and our other physicians, visit our website at www.dcmh.net. Decatur County Memorial Hospital. The quality care you want. Close by.