Developing a gastroenterology hospitalist service.

The concept of a gastroenterologist functioning primarily as a hospitalist is a new development in the way that gastrointestinal (GI) care is provided. The main advantages are rapid availability of endoscopic and consultative services, a close working relationship with other hospital-based providers, and enhanced familiarity with complex acute care and GI treatment algorithms. The GI hospitalist concept offers significant advantages for the outpatient providers and their ambulatory endoscopy centers, even for smaller and mid-sized groups; however, it hinges on finding the right individual for the job. The buy-in of all group members before launching the concept is crucial and a better quality of life for each team member can be the result.