In other cases, inpatient and outpatient doctors can communicate by phone, fax, or e-mail. With decreased hospital duties, outpatient providers can be more available for office patients and have a more predictable lifestyle. They can also increase their efficiency by reducing commuting time to and from the hospital. Calif. NO FPs believe that continuity of care provides real benefits- decreasing costs associated with ordering fewer tests, a greater knowledge of the patient and family history, and the special relationship that comes from working with that patient over time. The needs of the patient are not well served by it.
Patient comfort is enhanced by being managed by somebody they know and trust.
When a personal physician coordinates total care, there is a seamless transition from the inpatient to the outpatient setting. It reassures patients tremendously to know that the doctor they know and trust is giving care in both settings. FPs can create greater comfort for patients by acting as their link to the unfamiliar. When physicians decide they don't want to manage their inpatients, they can have somebody else do it. But this should be voluntary, not forced upon them.