Physician Hospice

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive, face-to-face assessments with patients.
• Manage symptoms and provide palliative care to alleviate pain and discomfort.
• Oversee patient admissions, discharges, certifications, recertifications and medication management.
• Assure appropriate evaluation, certification, and recertification of terminal prognosis at the time of admission and at the end of each certification period.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to develop and update care plans for hospice patients.
• Remain available for acute patient clinical problems that cannot be resolved through staff, and primary or on-call physician and available for consultation or joint visits in hospital or in collaboration with the GIP physician or at home when indicated.
• Maintain open and empathetic communication with patients, families, and caregivers, providing guidance and support throughout the hospice journey.
• Career coordination with other healthcare providers to ensure seamless transitions and continuity of care.
• Lead goals of care discussion with patients and families when appropriate.
• Educate patients and families about the hospice philosophy, treatment options, and end-of-life care.
• Serve as the physician or designee of the Professional Advisory Committee.
• Maintain accurate and thorough medical records, documenting patient progress and treatment plans.
• Adhere to all regulatory and organizational standards, ensuring ethical and legal compliance in all aspects of care.
• Communicate with attending physicians to determine patient eligibility and gather necessary medical records.
• Provide on-call coverage for medical emergencies and patient referrals.
• Collaborate with other physicians at the care center to establish and maintain a shared call schedule, ensuring consistent coverage and continuity of care for hospice patients.
• Conduct quarterly telephone meeting with Hospice Medical Director.
• Supervise Nurse Practitioners per state requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Medical degree (MD or DO) from an accredited medical school.
• Current and unencumbered license to practice specific to that state assigned to work in.
• Membership in good standing on the medical staff of at least one contracted hospital.
• Current CPR certification.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation and agency required liability insurance to complete home visits.
• Board certification in hospice and palliative medicine (preferred).
• Hospice Medical Director certification (preferred).