Take Care
Navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming—Take Care is here to change that. Hosted by healthcare leader and industry expert Melody Mulaik, this podcast breaks down the complexities of healthcare so you can be empowered, informed, and in control. Whether you're managing your own care or supporting someone else, each episode delivers clear, practical insights to help you take care of what matters most. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us in making healthcare less confusing—and more human.
Take Care
Who’s in Charge of My Loved One’s Care? A Caregiver’s Guide to Hospital Teams | Ep. 7
When a loved one is admitted to the hospital, it can feel chaotic and disorganized, leaving you wondering who is actually in charge of their care. Melody Mulaik answers a listener's question about how to identify the lead physician coordinating her brother's care after a car accident. She demystifies the modern hospital structure, explaining the crucial role of the "hospitalist" group in admitting patients and managing their overall treatment plan. You'll learn a clear, step-by-step process for getting the information you need, communicating effectively with staff, and advocating for your family member with confidence.
Featured Topics:
- What is a "hospitalist" is and why they are key to care coordination
- How to find out who the admitting physician and their group are
- The right way to request a conversation with the coordinating doctor
- What to do if you feel staff are unresponsive (and how to escalate to the charge nurse)
Tune in to learn how to identify the central point of contact for a hospitalized loved one, ensuring you can ask the right questions and get the answers you need to advocate effectively.
What You’ll Hear:
- 00:00 - The Challenge: Who is coordinating care?
- 00:55 - The Modern Admitting Process: The Hospitalist Group
- 01:30 - Step 1: Identify the admitting physician and their group
- 02:05 - Step 2: How to request a conversation with the doctor
- 02:50 - What to do if you get resistance from staff
- 03:45 - The hospitalist’s role in coordinating with specialists
- 04:45 - Final advice on advocating for your family member
Want to Ask Melody: https://takecarepod.com/ASK
Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss an episode, and let us know what topics or questions you need help with - we’re here to support you every step of the way!