Phelps Memorial Health Center is proud to announce the official launch of its new daytime Hospitalist Program, an important investment in enhancing the care experience for hospitalized patients and their families.
The program has been developed to strengthen inpatient care coordination, enhance communication among healthcare providers, and support safe, seamless transitions from the hospital to home.
Leading the new program are Brooke Cast, PA-C, and Michaela Parrish, PA-C, two experienced Advanced Practice Providers who will provide dedicated care for hospitalized patients while working collaboratively with primary care providers, surgeons, specialists, nursing staff, case management, and other members of the healthcare team.
Brooke Cast has more than 20 years of experience as a physician assistant, including more than 12 years as a hospitalist. Throughout her career, she has practiced in many different healthcare settings. Her extensive experience coordinating complex inpatient care makes her an excellent addition to PMHC's hospitalist team.
Michaela Parrish, a Holdrege native, returns home after spending the past seven years practicing family medicine. Her strong clinical background, commitment to patient-centered care, and connection to the local community make her an important part of the Hospitalist Program.
Together, Cast and Parrish will provide consistent daytime inpatient coverage, serving as a central point of coordination throughout a patient's hospital stay. Their role includes evaluating and treating hospitalized patients, communicating with families, coordinating care with surgeons and specialists, collaborating with nursing staff, and working closely with each patient's primary care provider to ensure a safe and well-planned transition home.
"The Hospitalist Program reflects our continued commitment to providing exceptional quality and compassionate care," said Tesha Broadfoot, Chief Nursing Officer at Phelps Memorial Health Center. "By providing dedicated inpatient providers, we are enhancing communication, improving care coordination, and creating an even better experience for our patients and their families."
PMHC also recognizes the invaluable partnership of its local primary care providers, whose collaboration and support have been instrumental in developing this program. The program has been designed to complement and not replace the relationship patients have with their primary care providers.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Hospitalist Program
What is a hospitalist?
A hospitalist is a healthcare provider who specializes in caring for patients while they are admitted to the hospital. Hospitalists focus exclusively on inpatient care and are available throughout the day to manage treatment plans, respond to changes in a patient's condition, coordinate with specialists, and communicate with patients and families.
Why is PMHC implementing a Hospitalist Program?
The Hospitalist Program was created to:
- Strengthen communication among healthcare providers
- Enhance coordination of inpatient care
- Provide dedicated daytime coverage for hospitalized patients
- Support safe and efficient discharge planning
- Improve the overall patient and family experience
Will I still have my primary care provider?
Yes. Your primary care provider remains an important part of your healthcare team.
While you are hospitalized, the hospitalist will oversee your inpatient care and communicate closely with your primary care provider. After discharge, your primary care provider will resume managing your ongoing healthcare needs.
Why won't my primary care provider see me in the hospital?
Primary care providers have busy outpatient schedules caring for patients in the clinic. Having dedicated hospitalists allows providers to focus on patients in the setting where they are needed most while ensuring hospitalized patients receive timely, coordinated care throughout the day.
Who will care for me during my hospital stay?
Your hospitalist will work alongside nurses, specialists, therapists, pharmacists, case managers, and your primary care provider to coordinate every aspect of your hospital care.
How does this improve patient care?
Hospitalists are available throughout the day to evaluate patients, answer questions, respond quickly to changes in medical conditions, coordinate consultations, review test results, and help families stay informed. This dedicated focus on inpatient care helps create a smoother hospital experience.
Will my family be able to ask questions?
Absolutely. Communication with patients and families is a key part of the Hospitalist Program. Hospitalists work to ensure patients and their loved ones understand treatment plans, expected progress, and discharge instructions.
What happens when I leave the hospital?
Before discharge, your hospitalist will coordinate with your primary care provider and other members of your healthcare team to help ensure a smooth transition home. Your discharge instructions, medications, follow-up appointments, and ongoing care plan will be communicated to your primary care provider.
Is this a common model of care?
Yes. Hospitalist programs have become the standard of care at hospitals across the country because they improve communication, enhance care coordination, and allow providers to focus on caring for patients in the environment where they are needed.
For more information about the Hospitalist Program, contact Phelps Memorial Health Center at 308-995-2211.
