What is a Hospitalist?
A Hospitalist is the primary overseer of care for the hospitalized patient from the time of admission to the time of release. At MHP Major Hospital there is a team of hospitalists. The team is comprised of board certified physicians in internal medicine, family medicine, nurse practitioners, and even specialists. The hospitalist program is a common practice among advanced hospitals. The hospitalist team at MHP Major Hospital works around the clock, focusing on the patient’s condition or acute illness and determines the best course of treatment. The addition of Nurse Practitioners to the hospitalist team at MHP Major Hospital has further strengthened and enhanced focused patient care. In addition to determining the best treatment for the patients of Shelby County, a major part of the hospitalist’s job is to communicate with the patient’s primary care physician and coordinate post-hospitalization care.
Hospitalist Team:
- Dr. Christian Ballast (Internal Medicine)
- Dr. Phillip Budzenski (Internal Medicine)
- Dr. Douglas Carter (Internal Medicine)
- Dr. Cary Zietlow (Internal Medicine)
- Ashley Sparks, NP
- Kathryn Miley, NP
- Jean Babbit, NP
- Megan Devol, NP
Why do we use hospitalists?
In the past it was common for primary care physicians to see their patient’s in the hospital. This practice meant that fewer patients could be seen in the doctor’s office. The hospitalist program allows primary care physicians to continue seeing patient’s in the doctor’s office, and have comfort knowing that a hospitalist can care for their patient in the hospital. The hospitalist is able to provide enhanced communication, efficiency, safety, and cost effectiveness in the hospital for patients and primary care physicians. Finally, the goal of a hospital is to control costs while providing quality care. The reputation of the hospitalist is a direct reflection on the reputation of MHP Major Hospital. The hospitalist program takes pride in being able to provide expert patient care, coordinate with primary care physicians, specialty physicians, and ultimately create an enduring patient experience.
What if I have a question for the physician after I'm discharged?
If you are a patient that has been released and have additional questions, please contact your primary care physician or if after office hours contact 317.392.3211 for the physician on call for your primary care physician.
If you are experiencing an emergency please call 911. If you have an urgent medical need our Emergency Room can provide the appropriate services.
If you feel that your stay in our hospital was not exceptional, have any questions, concerns, or comments contact Karen Burton, Director of Inpatient Care at 317.421.5698.
2451 Intelliplex Drive | Shelbyville, IN 46176