Physician Careers

This role establishes preliminary diagnoses of physical abnormalities under the direction of the supervising physician, and recommends for further testing and examinations to appropriate cooperating services, (i.e., hospitals, clinical laboratories, radiological services, and other technical or specialized services). Prescription orders and/or refills are completed per Collaborative Agreement with supervising physician. Daily lab and hospital reports are reviewed with supervising physician and addressed as appropriate.

• Adheres to requirements, terms, and conditions required by Medicare Conditions of Participation and federal and state statutes governing the provision of services.
• Participates in quality assessment performance improvement (QAPI) plans and monitoring to identify medical education needs in cooperation with the Medical Director, Hospice Director and/or Clinical Director. Participates in QAPI teams and activities, as needed.
• Serves as a hospice/ palliative care champion in the community.
• Acts as a liaison to community physicians by providing consultation and education to colleagues and attending physicians related to admission criteria for hospice and palliative care.
• Reviews patient’s medical eligibility for hospice and/or palliative services, in accordance with hospice program policies and procedures, and establishing the plan of care in conjunction with attending physician, medical director and interdisciplinary team as appropriate prior to providing care.
• Perform face-to-face encounters within thirty (30) days of the third and subsequent hospice benefit certification periods and report findings to hospice physician as appropriate and as directed by the Clinical Manager when necessary.
• Consults with attending physicians regarding pain and symptoms for management for hospice/palliative patients.
  Acts as a medical resource to the hospice interdisciplinary group.
  Attends interdisciplinary group meetings and works in a team approach with the group.
• Documents care provided and/or orders in the patient’s clinical record in a timely manner.
  Maintains current knowledge of the latest research and trends in the hospice/palliative care and pain/symptom management.
• Demonstrates knowledge in communications, and counseling patients and family/caregivers in hospice/palliative care services, advanced care planning and in end-of-life issues.
• Participates in resolution of interpersonal conflict and issues of clinical and ethical concern.
• Assists with evaluation of protocols and procedures with respect to quality and cost outcomes.