Physician Hospice

Overview

Responsible for ensuring the highest quality of life for patients during their final stages, focusing on comfort, dignity, and emotional support. It works closely with a multidisciplinary team, including nurses, social workers, chaplains and hospice Aides, to develop and implement individualized care plans that address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their families.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive, face-to-face assessments with patients.
• Manage symptoms and provide palliative care to alleviate pain and discomfort.
• Oversee patient admissions, discharges, certifications, recertifications and medication management.
• Assure appropriate evaluation, certification, and recertification of terminal prognosis at the time of admission and at the end of each certification period.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to develop and update care plans for hospice patients.
• Remain available for acute patient clinical problems that cannot be resolved through staff, and primary or on-call physician and available for consultation or joint visits in hospital or in collaboration with the GIP physician or at home when indicated.
• Maintain open and empathetic communication with patients, families, and caregivers, providing guidance and support throughout the hospice journey.
• Coordinate care with other healthcare providers to ensure seamless transitions and continuity of care.
• Lead goals of care discussion with patients and families when appropriate.
• Educate patients and families about the hospice philosophy, treatment options, and end-of-life care.
• Serve as the physician or designee of the Professional Advisory Committee.
• Maintain accurate and thorough medical records, documenting patient progress and treatment plans.
• Adhere to all regulatory and organizational standards, ensuring ethical and legal compliance in all aspects of care.
• Communicate with attending physicians to determine patient eligibility and gather necessary medical records.
• Provide on-call coverage for medical emergencies and patient referrals.
• Collaborate with other physicians at the care center to establish and maintain a shared call schedule, ensuring consistent coverage and continuity of care for hospice patients.
• Conduct quarterly telephone meeting with Hospice Medical Director.