Cogent Healthcare
A new group of physicians is caring for patients at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center. These physicians, called hospitalists, currently care for many of the patients that are admitted to the hospital, including those that do not have a regular doctor located in Bemidji. Sanford Bemidji Medical Center partners with Cogent Healthcare, a leader in developing and managing hospital medicine programs nationwide for this service.
What is a Hospitalist?
A hospitalist is a physician who provides quality medical treatment to individuals while they are in the hospital. Hospitalists are based in the hospital and specialize in all aspects of a patient's care, from admission until discharge. Their time is devoted solely to caring for hospitalized patients.
Can a hospitalist order x-rays?
Yes. Hospitalists manage and coordinate a patient’s entire hospitalization, including ordering diagnostic tests and establishing a treatment plan. Hospitalists are familiar with key departments and individuals within the hospital, allowing for prompt connections with other healthcare personnel and services.
Are hospitalists on call?
A hospitalist is in the hospital at all times so they are able to respond immediately to emergencies. The hospitalist’s availability also contributes to improved communication with family members for routine questions, post discharge planning, and emergencies.
Does a hospitalist cost more money?
Care provided by a hospitalist does not cost more than care provided by other physicians. Often patients can go home earlier because the hospitalist can follow up on test results and adjust the treatment plan in a timely manner, often resulting in fewer charges.
What about my regular doctor?
Your regular doctor is notified of your hospitalization and information regarding your stay is sent to him or her at discharge. We welcome input from your regular doctor regarding your care. If you do not have a regular doctor this will be discussed during your stay and a plan for follow up after discharge will be established.
Who is on the hospital medicine team?
Full-time physicians include Dr. Joe Corser, program medical director for hospital medicine; Dr. Sreyoshi Dey; Dr. Edwin Lee; Dr. Kam Pang; and Dr. Somendra Vaishnav. Physicians that work part-time include Dr. Olayiwola Adetunji, Dr. Kris Anderson, Dr. Douglas Campbell, Dr. Jason Dahlberg, Dr. Dan DeKrey, Dr. Aditi Gupta, Dr. Carrie Loftiss, Dr. Kai Lu, Dr. Molly Martin, Dr. Adnan Masood, Dr. Mohammed Mazumder, Dr. Muhammad Munir, Dr. John Oyakhire, Dr. Douglas Peterson, Dr. Jahanzeb Sheikh, Dr. Diana Stulc, Dr. Unnikrishnan Thampy, Dr. Chalermkiat Thanasawat, Dr. Christian Ugwu, and Dr. Rod Will. The team also includes Marguerite Peterson, RN, clinical care coordinator; Jeni Bardwell, administrative support; and Sally Maruska, program director for hospital medicine.
