Sound Physicians, based in Tacoma, has agreed to provide hospitalist services to Whidbey General Hospital beginning Feb. 5.

Traditionally, hospital patients were seen by their personal physician, frequently at night. Today, in many hospitals including Whidbey General, these patients are treated by hospitalists, who are available around the clock and who specialize in hospital care. Hospitalists work with physicians in the community to ensure continuity of care after patients leave the hospital.

Sound Physicians will manage a team of inpatient physicians at Whidbey General, providing expertise in quality, safety, satisfaction and generating superior patient outcomes.

“We chose to partner with Sound Physicians because they share our focus on high-quality care and patient satisfaction,” said Whidbey General CEO Tom Tomasino in a news release. “We are confident that their leadership, infrastructure and technology-enabled workflows will enrich the level of service to our patients and their families.”

Working with Whidbey General leadership, Sound Physicians will introduce processes designed to reduce healthcare costs and to improve efficiency, communication and patient care outcomes.