Do Physicians with Their Own Practices in a Medical Office Also Work in Hospitals?

To a certain extent, the answer to this question depends largely on the specialty of the physician. Specialists such as pulmonologists, critical care doctors, cardiologists, and nephrologists often see patients in hospitals, either as requested consults or because they are primarily responsible for patients in specific areas of the hospital such as the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Similarly, surgical specialists typically manage patients they operate on within the hospital setting.

Specialized Physicians: Admission and Supervision

Many primary care doctors (PCPs) also have the option to work in hospitals. Some PCPs continue to admit their own patients and ensure their care while they are hospitalized, often maintaining their own admission and discharge practices. Other PCPs, however, primarily see outpatients and allow 'hospitalists' to handle the inpatient care of their admitted patients. Hospitalists are generally general internal medicine or general pediatric doctors who specialize in inpatient care.

Personal Experience and Call Sensibilities

For some medical professionals, the balance between their office practice and hospital work can be quite dynamic. I, for instance, had the opportunity to moonlight in the emergency room (ER) and even covered for an ailing hospitalist, demonstrating the flexibility that such physicians often possess.

Managing Clinical Practices and Affiliations

Physicians who have their own practices in medical offices often manage their own patient admissions and treatment processes. It is important to note that while they may have privileges to see their own patients in hospitals, they are not technically employees of the hospital in this capacity. In metropolitan areas, the trend toward hospital-based physicians (hospitalists) covering inpatient care is common, with professional hospitalists tending to the medical floors almost exclusively.

Specialized Practice and Location

Whether a physician needs to admit patients for treatment or perform surgery can significantly impact their hospital work. There is a growing trend for hospital-based physicians, especially hospitalists, and surgeons working in surgery centers, as these environments are more cost-effective and efficient. This trend is more pronounced in metropolitan areas but may vary in smaller towns or rural areas where the model of care can be more flexible.