Job Description

The Hospice Medical Director provides oversight of clinical and administrative operations in collaboration with the Director of Hospice and Palliative Services. Responsible for the direction and quality of the medical component of the care provided to patients by the hospice care team, including designating a licensed physician, employed by the hospice, or working under a written agreement, to act on his or her behalf in the medical director’s absence. Collaborates with the IDG to ensure that the medical needs of the patient are met. Provides oversight of the plan of care, medications, and treatments for patients. Participates in interdisciplinary plan of care reviews, patient case review conferences, comprehensive patient assessments and reassessments, quality improvement reviews, and utilization reviews. Adheres to regulations, standards, and conditions of participation required by Medicare, accrediting body(s), and federal and state statutes governing the provision of services. Assists the administrator in developing, documenting, and implementing policy for the discharge of patients from hospice care. This includes protocols related to physician services and patient care. Reviews the clinical material of the patient’s attending physician that documents basic disease process, prescribed medicines, assessment of patient’s health at time of entry and the drug regimen. Certifies that the patient meets the medical criteria for hospice admission based upon available diagnostic and prognostic indicators, related diagnosis(es) if any, current subjective and objective medical findings, current medication and treatment orders, and information about the medical management of any of the patient’s conditions unrelated to the terminal illness. Re-certifies patients for the continuation of Medicare Hospice Benefit at appropriate levels of care as needed. Serves as a medical resource to hospice staff, patients, families, and attending physicians regarding pain and symptom control management. Ensures the provision of direct medical services to patients directly or through arrangements in the absence of the patient’s attending physician. Acts as the primary physician for patients whose referring/attending physicians desire to relinquish care, if the referring/attending physicians are not available for further contact, and/or if the patient/family chooses the hospice Medical Director to assume the role of Attending Physician for them. Documents care provided in the patient’s clinical record providing evidence of progression of the end-stage-disease process. Maintains current knowledge of the latest research and trends in hospice care and pain/symptom management. Participates in performance improvement programs and committees. Provides consultation and education to colleagues and attending physicians related to admission criteria for hospice and palliative care. Reviews and develops protocols for treatment and proposes the most current options for interventions. Demonstrates knowledge regarding the communication and counseling of end-of-life issues with patient/family. Participates in the resolution of interpersonal conflict and issues of clinical and/or ethical concern. Qualifications: Physician (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), licensed to practice medicine in the Commonwealth of Virginia, required. Must be Board Certified in a related specialty and has expertise in the medical care of terminally ill individuals. Licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Medical Examiners, required. Must have at least two years of experience on a hospice care team or in another setting managing the care of terminally ill patients. Admission privileges at one or more hospitals commonly serving patients in the hospice’s geographical area, required. Must not be excluded from the Medicare program. (OIG Check). Must maintain controlled substances registration with state and federal authorities.

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