Our goal for all patients at Mount Nittany Medical Center is high-quality, efficient care to get you back to your life.

That's why we are proud of the hospitalist program at Mount Nittany Medical Center, which provides a physician dedicated specifically to your care during your stay at the Medical Center.

Hospitalists specialize in caring for patients requiring an inpatient stay, ensuring that they get the proper tests and procedures, following up with treatment plans throughout the day and allowing primary care providers to keep regular daily office hours for patients.

Since our hospitalists work at Mount Nittany Medical Center, patients can ask a nurse to page a hospitalist if they wish to speak to him or her.

Primary Care Physician: A Key Partner

A primary care provider admits patients to the hospitalist program and relies on the hospitalist to provide inpatient care, make referrals to specialists and communicate with the primary physician during their patient's stay. This communication ensures that the primary physician is part of the treatment process.

Reviewing Patient Health Information

The hospitalist spends time talking with patients and reviewing their health history to gain as much information as possible to determine the best care plan. At the time of admission, the hospitalist will also speak with a patient's primary care physician to get information about his or her medical history. By using all of this information, the hospitalist will be able to provide the best diagnosis and care.

Following Up

When patients are discharged from the Medical Center, their hospitalist will recommend a follow-up appointment with a primary care physician. At the time of discharge, the hospitalist will communicate with the patient's physician about continuing care and send inpatient information to the primary care physician's office for inclusion in the patient's records.

If a patient does not have a primary care physician at the time of discharge, the hospitalist will refer him or her to a physician and provide all relevant Medical Center information to that physician. It is important that patients follow up with the assigned primary care physician to ensure a safe and healthy recovery.

The hospitalist programs at the Medical Center are directed by both Geisinger and Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.