Hospice Physician Designee

Gentiva Hospice•Bellaire, TX

About The Position

The Hospice Physician Designee provides direction and oversight for patient care, ensuring plans of care are implemented and medically appropriate. The role supports hospice care teams across multiple locations and maintains clinical standards. The position reports to the Medical Director and serves as backup for the Medical Director at branches in Bellaire, Stafford, Lake Jackson, Beaumont, Spring, and Lufkin. The designee attends Interdisciplinary Group (IDG) meetings onsite in Bellaire and provides 24-hour on-call services to hospice clinicians. This is a job notification only. The Hospice Physician Designee will not be employed by Gentiva; the physician will invoice Gentiva for services rendered. The role is safety-sensitive and requires travel of 15–25% based on program needs.

Requirements

Doctorate in allopathic or osteopathic medicine from an accredited medical school.
Board certification in a specialty recognized by ABMS or AOA-BOS; primary care is preferred.
Current, unrestricted medical license in the practicing state.
Valid National Provider Identifier (NPI) and DEA registration for controlled substances.
Current Medicare Provider Enrollment (PECOS) and Medicaid certification if required.
CPR and TB clearance.
Ability to travel 15–25% based on program needs.
Extensive knowledge of hospice and palliative care principles, regulations, and best practices.
Leadership and mentorship skills to support interdisciplinary teams and improve patient care.
Strong organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and regulatory requirements.
Compassionate communication and empathy toward patients and families facing end-of-life situations.
Proficiency in healthcare compliance, quality improvement, and ethical considerations.
Ability to collaborate effectively with attending physicians, staff, and community healthcare providers.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Commitment to professional standards and compliance with hospice regulations.

Nice To Haves

Hospice and Palliative Medicine board certification and/or Hospice Medical Director Certification Board certification.
Positive reputation in the medical community and commitment to collaborative practice.
Flexibility and adaptability to dynamic healthcare environments.

Responsibilities

Implement and oversee patient plans of care to meet medical needs.
Regularly assess and reevaluate patients’ medical needs.
Supervise and communicate with contracted and employed hospice physicians and other providers.
Assist in establishing and reviewing patient plans of care.
Serve on the Interdisciplinary Group (IDG) and contribute to patient-focused care planning.
Attend and conduct clinical training sessions.
Assess hospice eligibility and complete terminal illness certifications and recertifications when needed.
Act as a medical resource and liaison for the IDG, attending physicians, and community medical providers.
Facilitate meetings with patients’ family members and provide guidance for quality care.
Provide 24-hour on-call services to hospice clinicians.
Review patient medications for effectiveness, interactions, and relation to the terminal condition.
Perform supervisory duties in the absence of the Medical Director.
Attend IDG meetings onsite in Bellaire and provide backup coverage for the listed hospice branches.

Benefits

Competitive pay
401(k) with company match
Career advancement opportunities
National and local recognition programs
Teammate Assistance Fund
Medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible full-time associates
Mileage reimbursement or fleet vehicle program
Generous paid time off and 7 paid holidays
Wellness programs, including telemedicine, diabetes management, and joint and spine concierge care
Education support and tuition assistance
Free continuing education units (CEUs)
Company-paid life and long-term disability insurance
Voluntary pet, critical illness, accident, and long-term care benefits