The 1917 Clinic physicians exclusively admit our patients to UAB Hospital. As part of the UAB System, UAB Hospital is a university affiliated, world class, teaching hospital. It is staffed and equipped to provide care for patients with almost any type of medical/surgical/psychiatric disorder.

When a 1917 clinic patient is admitted to the hospital, a copy of part of the clinic medical record is sent to the hospital for the purpose of continuity of care. Patients are admitted to the care of a team of physicians responsible for managing all aspects of the patient's care from admissions to discharge.

Patient assignment to a team is based on a rotating schedule by the day of the month and not on the basis of the patient's clinic providers. While the clinic team is kept informed about the patient's condition and is available for consultation, it is the hospital team that determines the hospital course of events.

At times 1917 Clinic physicians do spend time in the hospital as part of the hospital teams, However, it is not customary for the 1917 Clinic physicians to visit with hospitalized patients otherwise. A fellow-physician in the division of Infectious Diseases, familiar with the specialized treatment of HIV and HIV-associated conditions, also visits and contributes to the care of our hospitalized patients.

Important things to remember about being in the hospital:

• The team is responsible for the patient's care.
• 1917 Clinic providers are consulted and kept abreast of the patient's condition.
• A patient can always call their provider to discuss treatment options.
• Hospital teams change at the beginning of each month. 

Advance Directives

Alabama law allows you, as an adult patient, the right to give instructions regarding your medical treatment to your doctor before you become too ill to make your own decisions. This is done through an "advance directive."

There are two types of advance directives: a living will and a durable power of attorney for health care. If you are interested in receiving more information about advance directives, ask your social worker for a brochure and discuss with him/her any questions you may have about this matter.