For patients & families
A hospital stay, explained
If you or someone you love is being cared for in the hospital, a little context goes a long way. Here's what to expect — and how to make the most of every conversation with your care team.
Start here
What is a hospitalist?
A hospitalist is a physician who specializes in caring for patients while they're in the hospital. Rather than splitting time between a clinic and the hospital, a hospitalist is there throughout the day — which means quicker answers, faster adjustments, and a doctor who knows exactly what's happening with your care right now.
Think of the hospitalist as the coordinator of your stay: the person who pulls together specialists, reviews your tests, updates your plan, and keeps your regular primary care provider in the loop for when you go home.
Day by day
What a typical day looks like
Every stay is different, but most follow a familiar rhythm.
Morning
Rounds
Your hospitalist reviews overnight changes and visits to examine you, answer questions, and set the day's plan.
Throughout the day
Tests & treatment
Labs, imaging, medications, and specialist consults happen as needed. Results are reviewed as they come in.
As you improve
Planning ahead
When you're on the mend, the team begins preparing for a safe discharge — medications, follow-ups, and home instructions.
Discharge day
Heading home
You'll leave with clear written instructions and a plan to keep recovering, plus a note sent to your primary care doctor.
Come prepared
What to bring
- A current medication list — including doses, vitamins, and supplements.
- Insurance card and photo ID for the admissions team.
- Names and numbers of your primary care and any specialists.
- A list of allergies and past reactions to medications.
- Comfort items — glasses, hearing aids, phone charger, a book.
- A trusted person who can help ask questions and remember answers.
Speak up
Questions worth asking
- What is the working diagnosis, and what are we still ruling out?
- What is today's plan, and what would signal progress?
- Why is each new medication being started?
- What needs to happen before I can safely go home?
- Who should I follow up with after discharge, and when?
- What warning signs should send me back to care?
Common questions
Good to know
Will my regular doctor know I was in the hospital?
Yes. Part of a hospitalist's job is communicating with your primary care provider — sharing what happened during your stay and what follow-up you'll need, so your care continues seamlessly once you're home.
Can my family talk to the doctor?
Absolutely. With your permission, your care team is glad to update the people you trust. It helps to choose one family point of contact to keep everyone informed.
How do I get my records or test results?
Mary Washington Healthcare patients can view results, messages, and visit summaries through MyChart. The office can also help you request medical records.
What if I have questions after I leave?
Your discharge paperwork will include follow-up instructions and who to contact. When in doubt about a new or worsening symptom, call your care team — and for anything urgent, seek emergency care right away.
What should I do in an emergency?
If you or someone near you is having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. This website is informational and not a substitute for emergency care.
Still have questions?
The Mary Washington Hospitalists office is happy to point you in the right direction.