Hospitalists — Tasks

Task statements

• Diagnose, treat, or provide continuous care to hospital inpatients.
• Prescribe medications or treatment regimens to hospital inpatients.
• Order or interpret the results of tests such as laboratory tests and radiographs (x-rays).
• Admit patients for hospital stays.
• Conduct discharge planning and discharge patients.
• Write patient discharge summaries and send them to primary care physicians.
• Refer patients to medical specialists, social services, or other professionals as appropriate.
• Direct, coordinate, or supervise the patient care activities of nursing or support staff.
• Attend inpatient consultations in areas of specialty.
• Communicate with patients' primary care physicians upon admission, when treatment plans change, or at discharge to maintain continuity and quality of care.
• Participate in continuing education activities to maintain or enhance knowledge and skills.
• Direct or support quality improvement projects or safety programs.
• Direct the operations of short stay or specialty units.
• Train or supervise medical students, residents, or other health professionals.