Internal Medicine

Overview
Internal Medicine FAQ
Our Providers

Internal Medicine

The Section of Internal Medicine at Westchester Medical Center focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of diseases in adults. Physicians in internal medicine, who are known as internists, provide compassionate care to patients with both long-term and acute illnesses while identifying optimal health outcomes. Internal Medicine physicians also consult with other doctors to determine diagnoses and treatment interventions on complex cases, as needed, to create and support each patient’s plan of care.

Internal Medicine physicians can specialize in inpatient care (also known as Hospitalists) or outpatient care (also known as Primary Care Physicians). In both areas of specialization, the internists provide comprehensive patient care.

Hospitalists - Inpatient Care

Hospitalists are physicians who specialize in the treatment of hospitalized patients. At Westchester Medical Center, a group of hospitalists work as a team with other medical personnel and subspecialists. Hospitalists utilize their expertise to manage the clinical problems of patients and actively support patients by using evidence-based guidelines and practices for optimal continuity of care. With their in-depth knowledge of medicine, hospitalists facilitate the collaboration, communication and coordination of patient care with subspecialists. They are also involved in the safe transitioning of patient care within the hospital and from the hospital.

As an academic medical center, our hospitalists are dedicated to the education of residents and are active in clinical research, quality improvement initiatives and patient safety.

Internal Medicine FAQ

Why is a hospitalist team caring for me?
Our hospitalists, rather than your primary care physician, will care for you while you are in the hospital. This arrangement is beneficial in that you are taken care of by a doctor who focuses exclusively on your care in the hospital. This allows your primary physician to devote his or her time to the office practice, making medical care more effective and efficient.

How will the hospitalist learn about me?
Hospitalists communicate with primary care physicians as needed to ensure optimal care. At the time of admission, records from your doctor will often be requested and your condition discussed to supplement the information we obtain from you. Your primary care physician will be informed about your care at discharge and will receive a copy of your records. If you do not have a primary care physician, we will assist you in obtaining appropriate follow-up and care. Our hospital utilizes an advanced sign-out system that allows all physicians involved in your care to effectively pass important information about your care to their colleagues during times your primary hospitalist team is not in the hospital.

What are the advantages of hospitalist care?
Hospitalists are able to closely monitor your progress and condition 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Dedicated house staff work in close cooperation with the hospitalists to take care of all your needs during your visit. Because hospitalists work solely in the hospital and are present throughout the day, the physician can see you more than once a day if needed. We know every specialist and department in the hospital and check on your tests periodically to make adjustments in treatment throughout the day.

When do I see my doctor?
You will generally see your doctor after discharge for a follow-up appointment. If you do not have a doctor, we will help you find one and prescribe the necessary medications. Follow-up can be arranged on the Valhalla campus at our outpatient clinic or at the office of your choice. Discharge instructions and other documents such as a discharge summary will generally be sent to your doctor within one to two business days. For more information on WMCHealth Physicians Primary Care location, visit their webpage. For information on Westchester Medical Center’s Outpatient Department, visit their webpage.

Will I have the same doctor each day?
Our hospitalists are scheduled for seven consecutive days, with some exceptions. When transitioning a patient’s care to another hospitalist, we ensure that the oncoming team has all the information needed to continue care.

Who else will care for me besides my hospitalist?
The attending physician is the hospitalist who is responsible for your care. Attending physicians are members of the Westchester Medical Center staff and the New York Medical College School of Medicine faculty and have an important role in teaching the other members of the team. Residents and interns are physicians who have completed medical school and are currently training as specialists in internal medicine.

I am the healthcare proxy of a patient admitted to Westchester Medical Center, Internal Medicine Service. How can I get in touch with the team?
For patients currently admitted and under the care of Internal Medicine, please contact 914.493.6616.

I am no longer admitted to WMC, but I have some questions regarding my medication.
In the event that you are no longer admitted to the hospital and have questions regarding your medications, please call 914.493.6616. We can assist with issues pertaining to medications prescribed at discharge. For additional refills, please contact your primary care physician.

How do I obtain my medical records from my hospitalization?
Please visit our Patient Information page.