HMH Hospitalist Program experiences record growth in 2019
Five new hospitalists added to the inpatient care team
ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky., Dec. 20, 2019 – The Hardin Memorial Health (HMH) Hospitalist program experienced record 2019 growth with the addition of five new physicians. New HMH Medical Group Hospitalists include Brandon Coons, M.D., Daniel Fioret, M.D., Nick Klimchak, M.D., Denis Suler, D.O., and Eric Oberst, M.D. This brings the total number of HMH employed hospitalists to 21.
HMH hospitalists are internal medicine and family practice physicians and physician assistants who specialize in the general medical care of patients at Hardin Memorial Hospital. When a patient is admitted, the hospitalist takes responsibility for the patient’s care for the duration of the stay. Hospitalists work closely with HMH specialists from Pulmonary and Critical Care, General Surgery, Cardiology, Urology and other specialties in addition to the patient’s physician or advanced practice clinician to ensure seamless care. Following discharge, patient care transitions back to the primary physician or advanced practice clinician.
“The HMH Hospitalist program ensures that a physician is available to the patient 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Dr. John Huff, M.D., Medical Director, HMH Hospitalist Group. “Our hospitalists understand the unique challenges to providing care to patients while they are in the hospital.”
The hospitalist model of care has grown rapidly in the health care industry in recent years. HMH implemented the program in 2012 to improve quality, patient safety and efficiency of care, and reduce readmission rates. Due to its success, HMH plans to continue recruiting physicians and advance practice clinicians for the program in 2020.
“Hospital medicine is unique, and our hospitalists work hard to provide comprehensive, cohesive care to patients while they are admitted at HMH,” said Shelia Smallwood, Assistant Vice President, HMH Medical Group. “They work closely with our nursing and diagnostic teams, referring physicians and the patient and caregivers to make sure that each patient receives outstanding care.”