Median length of stay was 1.1 days shorter when a hospitalist cared for a Medicare patient. Median cost per case was $853 less (excluding physician fees). There were no significant differences in mortality, 30-day readmissions, or transfers.
Hospitalist care is an unattractive option financially
Hospitals need to conduct a cost-utility analysis to assess this option
Hospitals should adopt this option as long as the hospitalist cost per case was less than $853
All of the above