Hospice and Palliative Physician

Hospice Of The Chesapeake•Pasadena, MD

About The Position

The Hospice and Palliative Care Physician works in concert with other Hospice and Palliative Care Physicians under the supervision of the Medical Director. The physician provides expertise in hospice and palliative care throughout referral, patient admission, care planning, and the course of service. The role includes supporting regulatory compliance, quality improvement, patient eligibility determinations, safe medical-device use, patient and family care, medical-community education, interdisciplinary collaboration, staff education, and accurate, timely documentation.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited school of medicine or osteopathy.
Current Maryland physician’s license.
At least two years of experience in the practice of medicine.
Board certification in Hospice and Supportive Care or certification as a Hospice Medical Director within 2–3 years of employment.
Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the philosophy of hospice care.
Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Excellent customer service philosophy and skills.
Current knowledge of management and administration and applicable federal, state, and local regulations and statutes governing hospice operations and patient care; adequate professional development to maintain licensure.
Ability to take initiative independently and exercise good judgment in decision-making.
Ability to work efficiently and effectively under pressure, attend to details and deadlines, and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
Professional maturity in carrying out the responsibilities of the position.
High degree of honesty, integrity, and confidentiality.
Flexibility and willingness to undertake new responsibilities as assigned.
Competency in computer skills, including EMRs.
Willingness and ability to work as a team player, including some evenings and weekends if needed to accommodate organizational needs.
Understanding of the mission, vision, and financial limitations of a nonprofit organization.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a hospice or Supportive Care setting is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Assist the Hospice Medical Director and Director of Medical Services with staff and department compliance with organizational, local, state, and federal laws, regulations, standards, and regulatory and accreditation requirements.
Provide medical expertise for survey preparation, administrative and peer reviews, and maintenance of licensure and accreditation standards; assist with corrective actions arising from findings.
Contribute to department policies and procedures and ensure consistency with organizational policies.
Participate in quality and performance improvement programs, using trends and needs to inform plans, seeking staff input, and ensuring appropriate tools are available to meet goals.
Apply regulations, policies, and procedures relevant to hospice and palliative care.
Confirm patient eligibility for hospice services under admission and recertification criteria and policy, including completing the certificate of terminal illness and attestation statement for patients admitted under the physician’s responsibility.
Ensure medical devices are provided safely and staff are oriented to and knowledgeable about hospice-wide and departmental safety policies and procedures.
Visit patients in homes, residences, hospitals, or HOC facilities to provide medical support and consultation to patients, families, attending physicians, and interdisciplinary teams.
Conduct face-to-face visits for team patients and other patients as assigned.
Serve as a liaison with current and potential referral sources, including physicians, discharge planners, and third-party payers, and educate them about end-of-life care, hospice capabilities, pain management, and symptom management.
Educate the medical community in the service area about the value of hospice and palliative care.
Contact physicians who are new referral sources, arrange visits to hospital medical staff, offer physician education programs and materials, and consult with attending physicians on pain management and symptom control.
Attend assigned interdisciplinary team meetings and collaborate with the clinical manager to ensure meetings comprehensively address patient and family needs and encourage efficient participation.
Provide staff education relevant to patient diagnoses, hospice, and Supportive Care issues.
Distinguish billable from administrative visits, code appropriately, and submit documentation within 24 hours of visits.
Attend and actively participate in appropriate committee meetings at affiliated hospitals and facilities to communicate and address hospice and palliative care needs and concerns.