AMC Continues to Enhance Hospitalist Program
July 8th, 2010
SARANAC LAKE - In 2008, Adirondack Medical Center joined an ever-growing number of hospitals to have staff whose primary responsibility is to care for patients from admission to discharge.
Also referred to as a Hospitalist, this medical professional is best described as someone who specializes in inpatient medicine. Dr. Frank Nocilla has played a critical role in launching and developing the Hospitalist Program at AMC, and now it has grown to include a physician assistant to provide care during the overnight hours. Previously, the overnight shift would be covered by a rotating shift of on-call physicians.
Justin Kilgore is a physician assistant who will be joining AMC's Hospitalist Program beginning July 6. He will primarily cover the night-time shifts from Sunday to Thursday, supplementing the daytime shifts currently handled by Dr. Nocilla. The off day not covered by either Justin or Dr. Nocilla is handled by a rotating list of on-call physicians.
Justin earned his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology/Athletic Training from Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Ga., and his Master's Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Albany Medical College. Physician assistants (PAs) are licensed health professionals who practice medicine as members of a team with their supervising physician. They deliver a broad range of medical and surgical services to diverse populations in rural and urban settings. As part of their comprehensive responsibilities, physician assistants conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and prescribe medications.
Justin will carry out many of the same duties as Dr. Nocilla for AMC's Hospitalist program, and will consult with him or another physician as the need arises. At the shift change there is regular communication to address new patients or a change in the condition of a current patient.
The Hospitalist is responsible for admitting critical or emergency care patients and those patients without a physician. The Hospitalist will also be caring for patients admitted to the hospital who are seen by AMC-employed physicians at the Medical Center's three primary care clinics in Keene, Lake Placid and Tupper Lake, in addition to residents of AMC's nursing homes in Lake Placid and Tupper Lake.
There are a variety of benefits for the patient, physicians, and hospital associated with a Hospitalist Program. In most cases, the patient's length of stay in the hospital can be shortened due to the immediate availability of the Hospitalist on staff during the day or night. There is no wait for patients to be admitted by their physician, and the Hospitalist can immediately begin a treatment plan, such as ordering lab tests or medications. Should there be questions, family members of a patient will benefit from the availability of the Hospitalist. In the long run, a shorter recovery time allows patients to leave the hospital sooner, and if needed, continue recovery in a more familiar and comfortable setting such as their home.
For all physicians, the Hospitalist frees them up to see more patients in their offices since they no longer have to split their time between the clinic and the hospital. This is a double benefit for the patient whose appointment may have been cancelled because the physician had to admit or check on a patient in the hospital. Overall, these factors contribute to physician recruitment and retention, which is a significant challenge for rural hospitals.
To learn more about the programs and services offered at AMC log onto www.amcCares.org.
Justin Kilgore Dr. Frank Nocilla
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AMC is accredited by the Joint Commission. Click here to view the Joint Commission Public Notice. |
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AMC is accredited by the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program. |
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Adirondack Medical Center's Bariatric Program and Dr. Michael Hill have been designated as a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery. |
