Hospitalist & Laborist Programs

Since 1958, Valley Presbyterian Hospital has been committed to providing the highest quality care to all of our patients. Our Hospitalist and Laborist Programs allow us to provide consistent care 24 hours, every day to patients who are admitted to the hospital through our Emergency Department.

What Is a Hospitalist?

A hospitalist is a doctor who specializes in caring for patients while they are in the hospital. Our board-certified hospitalists make sure patients get the care they need during their hospital stay. A hospitalist is available to talk with you and your family about your treatment, and acts as your primary doctor while you are in the hospital. A hospitalist may also be in contact with your primary care physician if you have one.

When You May Be Assigned to a Hospitalist

We may assign you to a hospitalist if you do not have a primary care physician, or you are from outside the local area and do not have access to your primary care physician. You may also need a hospitalist if your local primary care physician is unable to see you while you are in the hospital.

Benefits of Hospitalist Care

• Personalized, family-centered care. Since hospitalists only work in the hospital and are available around the clock, they provide you with personalized attention and can spend time talking to your family.
• Better communication. The hospitalist becomes the main point of contact so that you, your family, a primary care physician (if you have one) and specialists can all speak with the same person about your condition and treatments.
• Continuity. When you come through the ER and are admitted to the hospital, our hospitalist team can quickly coordinate your care. This coordination continues during your entire hospital stay.
• High quality. Hospitalists can order tests and consult with other specialists about your care. In case of an emergency while you are in the hospital, your hospitalist is nearby. Hospitalists know every specialist and department in the hospital and can get you the treatment you need right away.
• Shorter hospital stay. Since your hospitalist is coordinating your care, there is often less wait time for tests, results, and consultations. The hospitalist makes sure that each step in your care is done in a timely manner.
• Faster discharge. Before patients can be released from the hospital, they need to be discharged. Sometimes they have to wait until their physician or surgeon finishes with other cases. Hospitalists can give discharge approval more quickly.

Contacting a Hospitalist

If you have been assigned a hospitalist and have questions during your stay, please ask your nurse to contact the hospitalist who is caring for you.

What Is a Laborist?

We have one of the busiest maternity units in the San Fernando Valley region. A laborist is a doctor who specializes in the care of pregnant women and their newborns while they are in the hospital. Our laborists are board-certified obstetricians (OB/GYNs) to ensure women and babies receive the highest level of safety and care during delivery and their hospital stay.

When You May Be Assigned to a Laborist

We will assign you to a laborist if you do not have an obstetrician (OB/GYN), have not had prenatal care, or you are from outside the local area and do not have access to your obstetrician. You may also need a laborist if your local obstetrician is unable to arrive in time for your delivery.

Benefits of Laborist Care

• Personalized, family-centered care. Since laborists only work in our Maternity Services unit and are available around the clock, they can devote their full attention to you and your baby. They can quickly evaluate the progress of your labor and provide a safe delivery.
• Better communication. The laborist is your main contact so that you, your family, and obstetrician (if you have one) can all speak with the same person about your health and delivery. They will answer your family’s questions and keep them up-to-date.
• Continuity. When you come through the ER and are admitted to the hospital, the laborist is responsible for your care from the time your baby is delivered until your discharge. If you have a local OB/GYN, the laborist provides excellent care before delivery, and then seamlessly turns over your care when your OB/GYN arrives.
• High quality. Laborists are fully-trained and well-rested, which enhances safety and leads to better outcomes for mother and baby, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. In case of an emergency, your laborist is nearby and can provide treatment right away.
• Faster discharge. Before patients can be released from the hospital, they need to be discharged. Sometimes they have to wait until their obstetrician finishes with other cases. Hospitalists can give discharge approval for you and your baby more quickly.