Hospitalist Program

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Hospitalists

Crystal A. Comeau, M.D. Board Certified in Family Medicine Education: St. Louis University, School of Medicine, St. Louis, Mo. Residency: University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla.

Elias Issa, M.D. Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Sleep Medicine Fellow of the American Academy of Chest Physicians Education: American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon Residency: American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Good Samaritan Hospital, Baltimore, Md.

Jay Jones, M.D. Board Certified in Family Medicine Education: East Tennessee State University, Quillen College of Medicine, Johnson City, Tenn. Residency: Wausau Family Medicine Residency, Wausau, Wis.

To meet the needs of our patients, Fannin Regional Hospital offers hospitalized patients access to doctors around the clock while allowing private practice doctors more time to see patients in their offices. Through our hospitalist program, medical doctors who specialize in the evaluation and treatment of hospitalized patients are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide care.

What is a Hospitalist?

A hospitalist is a physician who specializes in caring for hospitalized patients. Hospitalists are trained in general internal medicine and other medical specialties. Because hospitalists do not maintain outside clinics, they can focus attention exclusively on your medical care inside the hospital. The hospitalist maintains ongoing communication with your regular physician throughout your treatment. And, when you are discharged, the hospitalist transfers your care back to your primary care doctor or other caregiver.

What are the benefits of having a hospitalist?

Your hospitalist specializes in the kinds of medical conditions that need to be treated in the hospital. Because the hospitalist practices exclusively in the hospital setting, he or she has added knowledge of other departments and specialties, and are very accessible to nursing staff.

The hospitalist can often help speed your recovery and shorten your hospital stay by following up on tests and adjusting your treatment plan throughout the day.

Hospitalists have systems in place to communicate with your primary care doctor as needed – especially at the time of admission and discharge – which provides a more seamless experience for the patient.

How does the Hospitalist practice work?

The Hospitalist will be in charge of your inpatient care and will see you every day to direct your care while you are in the hospital. They will be available to you and your family to answer questions and discuss your medical care. This Hospitalist works at Fannin Regional Hospital full time to provide for your care and attend to any emergencies that may arise. They may consult other physicians to participate in your care as well.

What is the relationship between the Hospitalist and my primary care physician?

The hospitalist partners with your primary care doctor to administer and oversee your treatment while you are in the hospital, serving as your regular doctor until you are released. The hospitalist will see you on a daily basis and manage your condition, contacting your primary care doctor as appropriate, as well as at the time of discharge. When you are discharged, you will return to your regular doctor or other community-based caregiver, to continue the care plan coordinated between your physician and the hospitalist.

What will happen after I am discharged?

The hospitalist will communicate with your primary care or other caregiver, such as a specialist or rehabilitation therapist. At the time of your discharge, your care returns to these community-based caregivers. It’s important to follow your discharge instructions, including making necessary appointments with your own doctor.

What if I don't have a regular primary care physician?

The hospitalist and other staff at the hospital can assist you in finding a doctor after you leave the hospital. Records from your hospital stay can be sent to this doctor.