Physician Associate Medical Director

Amedisys, Inc.•Hackensack, NJ

About The Position

The Physician Associate Medical Director supports hospice patients in their final stages of life, promoting comfort, dignity, and emotional support. The role works with a multidisciplinary team to develop and implement individualized care plans addressing patients’ and families’ physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Responsibilities include clinical assessments and palliative symptom management; oversight of admissions, discharges, certifications, recertifications, and medication management; coordination with other providers; patient and family education and communication; and participation in quality, utilization, and clinical record reviews. The position also provides on-call coverage, supervises Nurse Practitioners as required by state regulations, and contributes to education, policy review, and hospice service development.

Requirements

Medical degree (MD or DO) from an accredited medical school.
Current, unencumbered license to practice in the assigned state.
Membership in good standing on the medical staff of at least one contracted hospital.
Current CPR certification.
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and agency-required liability insurance to complete home visits.

Nice To Haves

Board certification in hospice and palliative medicine.
Hospice Medical Director certification.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive face-to-face patient assessments; manage symptoms and provide palliative care to alleviate pain and discomfort.
Oversee patient admissions, discharges, certifications, recertifications, and medication management.
Ensure appropriate evaluation and certification or recertification of terminal prognosis at admission and at the end of each certification period.
Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to develop and update hospice care plans.
Be available for acute clinical problems that cannot be resolved by staff or the primary or on-call physician; provide consultation or joint visits in hospitals or at home when indicated, including collaboration with the GIP physician.
Communicate empathetically with patients, families, and caregivers, providing guidance and support throughout hospice care.
Coordinate care with other healthcare providers to ensure continuity and smooth transitions.
Lead goals-of-care discussions with patients and families when appropriate.
Educate patients and families about hospice philosophy, treatment options, and end-of-life care.
Serve as physician or designee of the Professional Advisory Committee.
Maintain accurate medical records documenting patient progress and treatment plans.
Follow regulatory and organizational standards and ensure ethical and legal compliance.
Conduct educational seminars, in-services, and presentations for physicians, nurses, and other healthcare audiences to improve care quality, promote hospice services, and increase patient access.
Assist with policy reviews to improve care quality and efficiency during quarterly QAPI meetings.
Communicate with attending physicians to determine patient eligibility and obtain necessary medical records.
Participate in requested strategies to build relationships with local physicians, hospitals, and nursing facilities.
Provide on-call coverage for medical emergencies and patient referrals; collaborate with other care-center physicians to establish and maintain a shared call schedule.
Participate in utilization reviews and periodic clinical record reviews.
Serve on the Care Center’s professional advisory group and provide feedback on clinical practice and operations.
Conduct quarterly telephone meetings with the Hospice Medical Director.
Supervise Nurse Practitioners in accordance with state requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.