Palliative Nurse Practitioner (NP) Part-Time

Amedisys, Inc.•Hackensack, NJ

About The Position

The Palliative Nurse Practitioner works independently and in collaboration with physicians to deliver palliative care. The NP manages symptoms of acute and chronic conditions, assists with communication and care coordination, and develops treatment plans. Care is provided in patients’ homes and other settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, assisted living, independent living, and skilled nursing facilities. The NP orders treatments, laboratory tests, and diagnostic services; coordinates medical care with health care agencies; and works with the patient’s health care team through planning and effective communication. The role includes conducting medically necessary assessments and documenting care; scheduling visits according to medical needs and individualized care plans; reviewing results and adjusting treatment plans in collaboration with physicians; coordinating with referral sources and other health care professionals; educating patients and families; and meeting applicable state and federal clinical, documentation, compliance, and HIPAA requirements.

Requirements

At least one year of experience as a Nurse Practitioner, or at least three years of experience as a Registered Nurse in geriatric, hospice, or palliative care.
Master’s degree or higher in Nursing.
Licensed Nurse Practitioner in the state where services are provided.
Nurse Practitioner certification from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Authority to practice and prescribe as a Nurse Practitioner in the state where services are provided, when prescribing is permitted by state and federal law.
Comply with applicable state and federal requirements for prescribing Schedule II drugs, including any required collaborative agreement and DEA registration in states that permit NP prescribing of these drugs.
Medicare billing privileges as a Nurse Practitioner.
Meet state-specific physician–Nurse Practitioner collaboration requirements, including entering into a collaborative agreement and providing copies of active agreements and applicable guidelines or protocols when required.
Hold, or be eligible for, insurance required by state law to practice and prescribe, including satisfaction through company group coverage where applicable.
Current CPR certification.
Coordinate care with referral sources, including hospitals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, group homes, primary care providers, and specialists.
Collaborate with business development, hospice, and home health business units and promote palliative education to appropriate community stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of disease-specific local coverage determination (LCD) criteria for hospice eligibility and CMS Face-to-Face regulatory requirements.
Knowledge of hospice and home health services, philosophies, and service components.
Knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, and other payer reimbursement and coding for service levels in home, office, nursing home, and assisted living settings, as well as other applicable regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

Provide palliative care in patients’ homes or clinical settings in collaboration with physicians or medical directors and in accordance with applicable protocols and guidelines.
Conduct medically necessary assessments that meet Medicare Part B Evaluation and Management requirements, and complete accurate, timely documentation.
Schedule visits based on medical assessment and the patient’s individualized care plan.
Order and review treatments, laboratory tests, X-rays, EKGs, and other diagnostic procedures as indicated by the palliative plan of care; document the treatment plan.
Review results with the collaborating physician when treatment recommendations are needed and arrange follow-up visits when clinically appropriate.
Review, sign, and date consultation notes; adjust treatment plans as appropriate and notify the collaborating physician.
Collaborate with physicians, referring physicians, and other health care professionals to support optimal patient care.
Coordinate care with referral sources, including hospitals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, group homes, primary care providers, and specialists.
Collaborate with business development, hospice, and home health business units, and promote palliative education to appropriate community stakeholders.
Conduct home visits as frequently as required by the patient’s condition or individualized care plan.
Contact the collaborating physician or Medical Director when physician intervention or a significant treatment-plan change is warranted.
Provide progress notes, test results, and medication changes to physicians and referral sources when requested.
Communicate with and educate patients and families about disease trajectory, treatment plans, when to call the NP, and how to contact the NP.
Leave business and appointment cards with patients and families and explain how to contact the NP.
Complete medical record documentation promptly and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Return calls promptly and communicate with the collaborating physician and health care team at a frequency suited to patient needs and legal requirements.
Notify the collaborating physician of significant medical issues relating to patient care or condition.
Meet with the collaborating physician for chart review and quality improvement as required by state law, and complete other required communications and documentation.
Document in the medical record the individuals with whom the patient consents to discuss medical treatment.
Maintain compliance with the company compliance plan and notify the Compliance Officer immediately of suspected violations of Medicare, state, or federal laws or regulations.
Comply with company policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and the Amedisys Compliance Program.
Perform other duties as assigned.