Frequently Asked Questions

When will I see my primary care physician again?
While in the hospital, you will be cared for by one of the hospital medicine physicians who will see you at least once a day and, if needed, multiple times a day. You will see your regular physician soon after leaving. If you do not have a primary care physician, you can be referred to one.

How does your hospital medicine physician know about me?
The process is similar to what your primary care physician does when he or she refers you to a specialist for another opinion or additional tests and treatments. At the time of your referral to the hospital, your physician contacts the hospital medicine physician to discuss your condition. Records of your previous visits to Maury Regional Health facilities are also available for reference and comparison. Additional details concerning your condition are obtained from clinic records sent to the medical center.

What do I do if my family has question?
Federal guidelines defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) restrict the information that can be released to anyone other than the patient. If you want someone involved in your care, we ask that you identify one person with whom we should discuss your treatment. It is often helpful to keep a note pad next to your bed to write down questions. Questions are most easily answered during the time your hospital medicine physician visits your room. If meeting the person you have identified is not possible, he or she can leave a note with your nurse requesting a phone call from the hospital medicine physician. For better communication with your hospital medicine physician, please choose one representative to ask questions about your care.