In 2006, Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center announced the formation of a Hospitalist program. One of the fastest growing specialties in healthcare today, a Hospitalist can provide hospitalized patients better access to a physician and more continuity of care during their hospital stay.

A Hospitalist is a physician who is responsible for managing all aspects of a patient's hospitalization including admission and discharge, overseeing patient care, ordering tests and lab work, writing orders, and consulting with the patient's Primary Care Provider (PCP) and specialists. The Hospitalist is also the physician to communicate with the patient and his/her family during the patient's stay in the hospital.

There are many benefits to having a Hospitalist. For the inpatient, it means that there is a doctor available at all times who can respond quickly to the patient's needs or changes in condition. Additionally, studies show that a Hospitalist program can reduce costs and length of stay, and lead to improved care.

For the Primary Care Physician, having a Hospitalist to manage the care of patients in the hospital allows the PCP to focus completely upon the needs of the patients in his/her office. Clinic patients will no longer have to face the interruptions, cancellations and delays that result when a PCP is called away to attend to patients on the inpatient unit.

While you're a patient in the hospital, your care will be coordinated by the Hospitalist. Through an established protocol, the Hospitalist will communicate regularly with your PCP to ensure that your PCP is informed of your progress as well as any changes or concerns. Your PCP is welcome to visit you in the hospital at any time.

A Hospitalist at Mt. Ascutney Hospital is on duty during the day, every day of the week. Night time hours are handled by the doctor on call.

Dr. David Russo, M.D. and Dr. Marlene Sachs are our Hospitalists. Dr. David Russo, M.D. has 30 years of experience in Internal Medicine and has treated patients at Mt. Ascutney Hospital since 1997.

Dr. Marlene Sachs has been with Mt. Ascutney Hospital as an Internal Medicine Physician since 1981 and brings nearly 30 years of experience to this new position.

For more info about Preparing for Your Doctor's Visit or Hospital Stay, click here.

If you are a provider interested in joining our Hospitalist program, please contact Jean Martaniuk.