The hospitalist: Will inpatient specialists improve care?

The number of hospitalists-ie, practitioners who specialize in the care of hospital inpatients-is growing rapidly in the United States. In part a response to managed care's push for better health outcomes with a minimum waste of time, effort, and money, this new specialty has its own national organization, affiliated with the American College of Physicians. Challenges to hospitalists include minimizing the use of consultations and unnecessary laboratory tests for inpatient care, and ensuring continuity of care once patients leave the hospital.