The Hospitalists

Appointment with primary care doctor was quick. He listened and asked questions. He prescribed updated blood labs, chest x-rays, and antibiotic infusion for next several days. He understands Dale's fragile health history and wants to prevent pneumonia from taking over. 

Unfortunately. It already had done so.

By the time we left doctor's office and began blood labs, about 15 minutes, his temperature began to rise. Then on to radiology and his temperature felt warmer. By the time we were in the infusion room, nurse took temperature, called his doctor, and they determined he should go to the ER for respiratory treatments, antibiotics, hydration, and probably admission to hospital. By then they found the pneumonia. 

ER took more blood culture samples for infections. Respiratory treatments had to be done twice and they put hydration and antibiotics into his veins. 

In the next couple of hours, the hospital had to decide if he really needed to stay or not. Outpatient care for pneumonia seems to be the popular insurance's coverage request now. 

Apparently, doctors have to submit patient information to a "Hospitalist" panel of physicians for review and admissions. Primary care and ER physicians don't have the authority to do so any more. That took a couple of hours. 

I suspect, he will get the medications this morning, they will see he is doing okay, and send him home as outpatient. When he is home constant care and transportation for treatments is necessary.

Dale's reflection in hospital room window.