A National Survey of the Infrastructure and Scope of Practice for Gastroenterology Hospitalists

Background: Hospital-based specialty-trained physicians have become more prevalent with emerging data suggesting benefit in consult and procedure volume, reduced complication rates, and increased practice productivity. Interest in gastroenterology (GI) hospitalist programs has increased in recent years. However, little is known regarding the types of GI hospitalist models that currently exist.

Aims: To characterize the infrastructure of GI hospitalist models across the USA.

Methods: A 50-question survey was distributed to the GI Hospitalist Special Interest Group of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Information on demographics, hospital infrastructure, and compensation were collected.

Results: 31 of 33 (94%) GI hospitalists completed the questionnaire. Respondents were mostly male (65%), white (48%) or Asian (42%). Most GI hospitalists spent at least half of their clinical time dedicated to the inpatient consultation service (73%), during which they had no other clinical duties. Most services had endoscopy suites with dedicated inpatient endoscopy rooms (66%), over 4 h allotted for procedures (83%), and were available on weekends (62%). Over half of GI hospitalists reported having outpatient duties, the most common being performance of direct access endoscopy (69%). Outside of clinical responsibilities, GI hospitalists were most frequently involved in clinical education or fellowship program leadership (48%). Most GI hospitalists were salaried with an incentive-based bonus based on work relative value units.

Conclusion: GI hospitalist programs are varied throughout the USA but key commonalities exist between most programs.