Accurate identification and treatment of alcoholic medical in patients have been frequently unsuccessful endeavors for health care professionals. Reasons for diagnostic and treatment-related problems are briefly reviewed. Areas of potential contribution by psychologists are discussed and include: (a) increasing diagnostic precision and developing effective intervention strategies through consultation, (b) developing methods to promote patient compliance with treatment recommendations, (c) educating medical staff, and (d) contributing to the research literature. An increase in the quality of health care provided to alcoholic medical inpatients relies heavily on improvements in the areas discussed; psychologists can play a major role in this process.