Apogee Medical Hospitalists
Phone: (210) 602-8407 or (866) 992-3648
Apogee Physicians started working with Nix Health in 2006 and continue to carry out their clinical vision: "What's best for the patient is best for the practice." The program at Nix is lead by Program Director Amy Maverick, M.D., Sudha Somasundara, M.D., and Bonnie Hannah, M.D.
Apogee Physicians at Nix are available for inpatient admissions and consultations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To contact the on-call Apogee physician at any time, call ONE CALL DOES IT ALL at (210) 602-8407.
Apogee Physicians accept direct admissions, transfers from outlying hospitals, clinics and emergency rooms, as well as consultation, cross coverage or weekend coverage for physicians at Nix Health.
What is a hospitalist?
A hospitalist is a specialist in the field of internal medicine who cares only for hospitalized patients. At Nix Health, we work with Apogee physicians, who are true hospitalists. They do not have a medical practice outside the hospital, which enables them to focus exclusively on your inpatient care 24 hours a day while being treated at Nix Health.
What if I need to speak with an Apogee physician that treated me at Nix?
Since Apogee hospitalists do not have outpatient practices, you will not have an appointment to see your hospitalist after discharge. If you have questions after your stay, you may contact the Care Manager who works with Nix Apogee physicians, and you will be put in touch with your Apogee hospitalist.
What should I expect from my Apogee hospitalist while I am at a Nix facility?
You can expect the very best medical care, delivered with kindness and compassion. Your physician will see you at least once per day or more often if necessary. Apogee physicians will not only keep the Nix nursing staff informed of tests, results and the overall progress and anticipated discharge date and time, but your family will be kept informed as well.
How will my doctor know what has happened during my stay?
Your primary care physician can expect to receive a complete summary of your hospitalization. Apogee physicians will ensure a smooth transition of your care from the hospital to your primary care physician through a discharge summary as well as verbal communication regarding important aspects of your care. If you do not have a primary care physician, Apogee's Patient Information Coordinator can assist in finding a physician before leaving the hospital.
Why isn’t my doctor seeing me in the hospital?
The increasing complexities of modern medicine do not allow any single physician to have expert knowledge in all areas, and as such, your doctor has probably referred you to a specialist at one time or another. Since no physician can be in more than one place at one time, your doctor has chosen to refer you to an Apogee hospitalist, a specialist in the field of hospital-based medicine who covers the hospital 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What are the benefits to me as a patient by being cared for by an Apogee hospitalist?
Apogee hospitalists treat only hospitalized patients, therefore our physicians are skilled in the latest diagnostics and treatments. Since an Apogee doctor is at the Nix Medical Center at all times, we are able to respond immediately to any change in your condition.
What is a Care Manager and how can they enhance the quality of my medical care?
Apogee care managers can help you navigate the sometimes confusing maze of modern healthcare. Your care manager will schedule your follow up appointments with your primary care physician and will even call you after you have left the hospital to make sure you have everything you need.
How do I pay for services rendered by Apogee’s doctors and will my insurance cover the cost?
Generally, Apogee’s fees are no different from what you would expect from you doctor if he or she were to treat you in the hospital. It is important to recognize however, that very few insurances cover all the costs of care provided while in the hospital regardless of which doctor cares for you. Therefore, you will most likely receive a bill from Apogee for the portion of our services not covered by your insurance, such as deductibles, co-pays, etc.
What if I don’t have a primary care physician?
Apogee care managers can assist you in finding a doctor after leaving the hospital
For more information on Apogee Medical, please call 1-866-468-2362, or visit www.apogeemedical.net
