Are hospitalists under pressure to release patients prematurely before they are ready?

Great question.: There is a push to decrease lengths of stays at hospitals. One way to address this is the growth of the use of hospital specialists. This has shown to improve efficiency and patient outcomes. So hospitalists do try to discharge patients as early as able but without sacrificing patient care. It is also better to d/c patients asap before they aquire a hospital infection or complication. Thanks!

Not inappropriately.: Hospitalists are trained to look for the appropriate opportunity for patient discharge. Patients usually aren't going to feel "good" at the point of discharge. "improving." our job is to figure out a safe point at which they no longer need the inpatient setting and can convalesce at home. Or in rehab. Sometimes with the help of home health. Hospitals make you sick! it's better to get out.

Medical care 1st.: While Hospitalists tend to emphasize efficient medical care with respect to appropriate test utilization and length of stay, appropriate and accurate and complete medical care should always come first.