Transitional Medical Clinic

The Transitional Medical Clinic (TMC) is a outpatient clinic run by the Mission Heritage Hospitalist program to follow-up patients shortly after their hospitalization. Often a patient’s condition may necessitate a medical follow-up appointment within a few days to assess stability. The TMC is viewed as an extension of the hospitalization. At the TMC, during an hour long appointment, a hospitalist or nurse practitioner (NP) reviews the hospital records, then talks to the patient and performs a pertinent physical exam. The physician or NP ensures the patient is on correct medications and dosages, has made their recommended follow-up appointments, has appropriate home care and supplies, and follows up their lab work or imaging studies. An essential component of the visit is the physician or NP listening to the patient, explaining and answering questions about their medical condition and plan. This comprehensive post hospital appointment allows a smoother transition for subsequent appointments with the patient’s primary care and specialist physicians. The clinic is easily accessible and parking is free.

We have found through surveys that patients tend to be very satisfied with their TMC appointment and data suggest patients are less likely to require readmission to the hospital.