Hospice Physician

Gentiva Hospice • Bakersfield, CA

2d

About The Position

The Hospice Physician provides expert clinical oversight to hospice physicians and supports the delivery of compassionate, goal-directed care to hospice patients. The role collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, oversees regulatory compliance, and guides quality improvement efforts to enhance patient outcomes. Duties include hospice eligibility certification and recertification, patient visits and supervision of visits, coordination of physician on-call coverage, documentation, participation in interdisciplinary group meetings, pharmacy utilization monitoring, policy and quality initiatives, community partnerships, and education. Travel is required for 15–25% of the role, depending on program needs.

This is a job notification only. The Hospice Physician will not be employed by Gentiva and will invoice Gentiva for services rendered.

Requirements

• Doctorate degree in allopathic or osteopathic medicine from an accredited medical school.
• Board certification in a specialty recognized by ABMS or AOA-BOS.
• Current and 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.
• Ability to travel 15–25% based on program needs.
• CPR and TB clearance required.
• Extensive knowledge of hospice and palliative care principles, regulations, and best practices.
• Leadership and mentorship skills to inspire 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

• Primary care board certification preferred.
• Hospice and Palliative Medicine board certification and/or Hospice Medical Director Certification Board certification preferred.
• Positive reputation in the medical community and commitment to collaborative practice.
• Passion for palliative care and advocacy for hospice patients.
• Flexibility and adaptability to dynamic healthcare environments.

Responsibilities

• Certify and recertify hospice eligibility in a timely manner and in compliance with Medicare and other regulations.
• Conduct and supervise face-to-face patient visits, including home consultations for complex cases.
• Coordinate 24/7/365 on-call physician coverage with hospice physicians.
• Maintain accurate and timely medical documentation and support regulatory reviews.
• Participate in interdisciplinary group (IDG) meetings to coordinate patient care and medication management.
• Monitor pharmacy utilization and ensure appropriate medication prescribing and administration.
• Collaborate with hospice leadership on policy development, compliance, and quality assessment and performance improvement (QAPI) initiatives.
• Serve as a community liaison to enhance hospice visibility and partnerships with healthcare providers.
• Support educational programs for staff, physicians, and community partners.

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 full-time associates
• Mileage reimbursement or fleet vehicle program for full-time associates
• Generous paid time off and 7 paid holidays for full-time associates
• Wellness programs, including telemedicine, diabetes management, and joint and spine concierge care, for full-time associates
• Education support and tuition assistance for full-time associates
• Free continuing education units (CEUs) for full-time associates
• Company-paid life and long-term disability insurance for full-time associates
• Voluntary benefits, including pet, critical illness, accident, and long-term care coverage

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree