Team Physician - home and facility settings

JOB DESCRIPTION

The physician has responsibility for the medical care and treatment of patients rendered by the hospice interdisciplinary team (IDT), and shall consult and cooperate with the patients' attending physicians. The physician provides direction and guidance to the staff and volunteers of the hospice IDT to assure the maintenance of quality standards of care for patients and families.

The physician educates practicing physicians and others engaged in health care services regarding the hospice program and its potential benefits to patients.

Direct Patient Care

• Participates in the evaluation and certification/recertification of the terminal prognosis for patients on the team, at indicated intervals.
• Participates in the development of the initial plan of care (IPOC) as a member of the IDT.
• Participates in the development, implementation, and ongoing revision of the comprehensive plan of care.
• Provides accurate and timely documentation of all patient care services provided.
• Participates in ongoing revision of the comprehensive POC when a patient is being cared for at a general inpatient level of care, including review of patient appropriateness for continued inpatient management.
• Intervenes proactively, as required, when there is a possible revocation, and reviews all revocations with the other members of the IDT.
• Provides medical expertise on an on going and timely basis to admission and patient care staff on issues and challenges involving evaluation of terminal prognosis and pain and symptom management.

LICENSE AND EDUCATION

• Licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in the state in which the program is operating.
• Board eligible/certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Internal Medicine, Family Practice, or other related specialty with a working knowledge of the principles of palliative medicine and symptom management.
• If physician will be providing inpatient care, membership in good standing on the medical staff of the hospital or hospitals in which the hospice inpatient care is provided.
• Registration with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to prescribe all schedules of controlled substances with no restriction as to the location of practice.
• If applicable, state controlled substance certification or registration for the state in which the hospice program is operating.
• Actively participates in the clinical education and training for all hospice patient care, admissions, and administrative personnel.
• Attends and satisfactorily completes all VITAS orientation and physician training programs, which may include ongoing physician training meetings.
• Demonstrates on going competence in the principles of and current development in palliative medicine.
• Is a member of and participates in professional organizations related to palliative medicine.