Providence St. Patrick Hospital celebrates
Missoula, MT—Oct. 14, 2026. Twenty years ago, Providence St. Patrick Hospital started using hospitalists who focus their care on patients—in the hospital. Hospitals began using these specialists as patient care became more complex and the need for timely, coordinated care increased. The model gives patients consistent access to a physician whose primary focus is their care during their hospital stay.
“We like to think of ourselves as a bit of the quarterback for the hospitalized patient who takes care of managing the patient while they are in the hospital, coordinating care with specialties, and assisting through the entire discharge process,” Hospitalist Kasey Harbine, M.D., explains.
Providers can review test results, adjust medications and make treatment decisions without waiting for an outside physician to arrive. They help patients and families understand the care plan and what to expect during their stay. Hospitalists communicate with primary care providers to support follow-up care after a patient leaves.
Dr. Harbine continues, “As a hospitalist team, we provider 24/7 coverage, so we are available any hour of the day for responding to emergencies and patient care. Taking care of patients during stressful times and helping them through sometimes very painful situations is a rewarding thing.”
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