Your physician will direct the care provided to you at the Medical Center. You may also see a consulting specialist during your stay. Not all physicians in the community care for their patients when they are in the hospital. If your regular physician does not provide hospital care, you may be admitted to our Hospitalist service.

The Hospitalist is a board-certified physician who specializes in the care of hospitalized patients. They direct care throughout your hospital stay. The Hospitalist checks on the patient daily, oversees the in-hospital care, and coordinates care with the patient’s primary care physician and other physician specialists.

We receive many compliments from our patients related to the care they receive from our Hospitalists. It is important to note that our Hospitalists only provide care at the hospital. They do not have private office practices. Our Hospitalist physicians will provide a full report to your regular physician of the care you have received during your stay. When you see your primary care doctor after your discharge, you can be sure that they have the most up-to-date information regarding your health.

This department reviews medical treatment plans to assure that care is being delivered in the most appropriate setting and that approval for care is obtained when required by insurance companies and/or the government (Medicare, Medicaid). We are committed to providing the highest quality and most efficient care to our patients. We know that your ultimate goal is to return to your home as quickly as possible. Our staff will work with your care team to coordinate a safe and timely discharge home.

Observation patients are outpatients who need additional testing in order to make clinical decisions regarding admission vs. outpatient treatment. This decision-making period is generally 24 hours. Our staff will give specific information regarding your care if you are in observation status.

Staff provide information and referral assistance with: senior services, counseling, arranging financial assistance; and placement for nursing homes, rehabilitation services and adult foster care. Social Work can provide information regarding Advance Directives and Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care which help manage care should a patient become unable to express his/her desires. For information and assistance, call (810) 667-5578.

This unit at Lapeer Regional Medical Center is a link between hospital and home – an added level of care available within the hospital. The unit is for people who are well enough to leave the hospital but who are still unable to fully care for themselves at home. The unit is licensed by the State of Michigan Nursing Home Regulatory Department. Our staff will provide more information if you may benefit from the services of the Transitional Care Unit.