Hospice Physician

Big Bend Hospice Physician

The role of a Hospice Physician involves providing medical validation and clinical expertise to ensure the highest quality of medical care for patients and their families. They coordinate patient care, review medical histories, and work with interdisciplinary teams to maintain continuity and comprehensiveness of care. Additionally, they act as consultants to patients’ physicians, certify and recertify patients for hospice care, and participate in education and outreach efforts to increase support for the hospice program.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Responsible for collaborating with BBH Nurse Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provide medical validation of the plan of care for each patient/family with the coordination of the patient’s attending physician and medical staff at the Hospice.

• Provide clinical expertise and participate in interdisciplinary team decisions regarding diagnosis and medical management of patient/family needs, assuring that the highest quality of medical care is provided, and that continuity and comprehensiveness of care is maintained.

• Provide or coordinate patient care by self or medical staff through home visits or other locations as appropriate.

• Maintain a regular schedule of medical participation for the entire BBH service area and provide 24-hour, 7-day/week coverage as requested by the Medical Director.

• Act as a consultant to the patient’s physician and other members of the Hospice care team as needed.

• Liaison with the patient’s primary or attending physician.

• Participate in decisions regarding the appropriateness of admissions when necessary.

• Validate the estimated prognosis of the patient as provided by the patient’s attending

  physician.

• Certify and recertify the patient for hospice care.

• Review the admission [medical and psychosocial] history of each patient with a member

  of the medical team.

• Provide, or assist in obtaining, medical coverage for each patient in the satellite area who is deemed appropriate and who has no attending physician.

• Work cooperatively with the Clinical Coordinators and the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team to ensure quality care delivery to all Hospice patients.

• Represent Hospice at appropriate local, state, or national forums.

• Assist in the introduction of the Hospice program to practicing physicians, nursing

  homes, health maintenance organizations, hospitals, and other referral sources in the satellite area to answer clinical concerns and encourage appropriate utilization of hospice care for their clients.

• Conduct educational seminars and presentations for health care professionals and the public to increase support for and understanding of the hospice program as a part of assuring that Hospice services are made accessible to patients and families.

• Assist in securing medical records to ensure appropriate medical care.

• Other duties as requested by the Medical Director and President/CEO.

  Required Skills/Abilities:

• Identify and accept the problems and responsibilities of management.

• Make realistic decisions based on logical assumptions, and information, and in

  consideration of organizational resources.

• Establish a course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a specific goal; plan

  proper assignments of personnel and appropriate allocation of resources; monitor

  results.

• Set high goals or standards of performance for self and others.

• Maintain admission privileges as needed at one or more hospitals commonly serving

  patients in our service area.

• Maintain the stability of performance under pressure and/or opposition.

• Generate and/or recognize and support creative solutions in work-related situations.

• Allocate decision-making and other responsibilities effectively and appropriately.

• Provide leadership and encourage staff to develop competencies and skills.

• Recognize the impact and implications of decisions on all components of the

  organization.

• Model highest standards of conduct and ethical behavior

• Educate staff regarding their own and the organization’s responsibilities for regulatory

  and corporate compliance.

• Education and Experience:

  • MD or DO from an accredited medical school

  • Licensed to practice medicine in the State of Florida

  • Knowledge and experience in palliative medical practice and symptom management