JOB SUMMARY: The Medical Director is a licensed physician (a Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy) who organizes and assumes overall responsibility for the medical component of the hospice's patient care programs. When the Medical Director is not available, a physician designated by the hospice assumes the same responsibilities as the Medical Director.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Supervise all hospice physician employees and contract hospice physicians
Act as a medical resource person to the IDT/IDG and attend IDT/IDG conferences
Assure overall continuity of the hospice medical services
Assure that the patient receives appropriate measures to control uncomfortable symptoms
Collaborate with the IDT/IDG to ensure that the medical needs of the patient are met and provide oversight of the plan of care
Certify 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, information about the medical management of any of the patient's conditions unrelated to the terminal illness
Collaborate with the patient's attending physician to develop and update the patient's plan of care, to identify needs not met by the attending physician, and to ensure pain and symptom management and control
Re-certify patients, as appropriate, for continuation of Medicare Hospice Benefit at appropriate levels of care
Perform face to face visits as needed for recertification and symptom management
Serve as a medical resource to hospice staff, patients, families and attending physicians
regarding pain and symptom control management
Ensure the provision of direct medical services to patients either directly or through arrangements, as appropriate, in the absence of the patient's attending physician
Participate in plan of care development and managing oversight of medications and treatment
Document care provided in the patient's clinical record providing evidence of progression of the end-state-disease process
Maintain current knowledge of the latest research and trends in hospice care and pain/symptom management
Participate in performance improvement programs, as indicated
Provide consultation and education to colleagues and attending physicians related to admission criteria for hospice and palliative care
Review and develop protocols for treatment and propose the most current options for interventions
Demonstrate knowledge in communications and counseling of the patient/family in dealing with end-of-life issues
Participate in resolution of interpersonal conflict and issues of clinical and ethical concern
Participate in the development and updating of patient care policies and emergency procedures