DEAR DR. GOTT: I am confused about the meaning of my doctor’s announcement that the family practice center I frequent will no longer admit patients to the hospital. The announcement went on to say there will be no effects on patients and that they are investigating the need to increase their clinic hours in order to provide patients more access to the clinic.

When I asked my doctor about it, she said that it is becoming common practice around the country. I can accept that my own doctor won’t be coming to the hospital to check on me and will only receive reports from the specialists at the hospital. If I have to go to the ER and don’t have a doctor with a relationship to the hospital, will I be treated differently? My family practice once had four doctors. Owing to retirement and other things, they are down to one doctor and two physician assistants. I don’t know what a PA’s qualifications are, but apparently they aren’t allowed to admit patients.
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