Medical Doctor

DEPARTMENT: Austin Palliative Care

REPORTS TO: Chief Medical Officer/Hospice Medical Director. Physician designee of the Hospice Medical Director.

SUPERVISES: None

POSITION SUMMARY:

Provide patient care practicing within the scope of license, certification or registration, where applicable, and as required by law and regulation. This position is 80-90% clinical and 10-20% administrative.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work to achieve performance goals, pursue progress toward individual development plan (IDP) and demonstrate Hospice Austin's values and competencies.
• Maintain a working knowledge of applicable National, State and local laws and regulations, CHAPS, Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Hospice Conditions of Participation and other regulatory requirements related to the medical and allied health staff.
• Oversee, direct and support the rendering of medical management decisions that maximize benefits for patients and families while pursuing and supporting Agency objectives
• Demonstrate effective leadership as a hospice physician while providing standards for excellence.
• Participate in professional organizations and represent the Agency in a professional, competent manner in the community, as indicated.
• Represent the Agency on ad hoc committees as appropriate; interfaces with the provider community, as indicated.

General Patient Administration:

• Participate in development of care plans, the review of established care plans, and sign care plans with other members of the Interdisciplinary Team.
• Consult with outside attending physicians in capacity as hospice clinical physician and prepare a written consultation report when required or requested.

Conferences:

• Hospice Team - meet with the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) to review Hospice patients.
• Meet with Executive Director and management team as necessary.

Record Review:

• Review records at weekly IDT meetings and sign approval of care plans.
• Review Christopher House records at request of Executive Director, Chief Medical Officer, Hospice Medical Director, or Director of Quality

Education:

• Offer advice and information to staff.
• Participate in staff training on medical issues.
• Make presentations to physicians and other professionals relating to Hospice at the request of the Chief Medical Officer.
• Participate in training of students at Hospice, including, but not limited to, medical students, residents, fellows, nursing students, and social work practicum placements.
• Act as liaison with private physicians
• Attend the following pre-scheduled administrative meetings: IDT Meetings, Administrative Team Meetings upon request, Performance Improvement Committee Meetings, upon request

Clinical care:

• Provide home team patient visits (including facility patient visits)
• Perform administrative face to face visits
• Provide clinical visits to all patients at Christopher House
• Provide clinical visits to palliative care patients
• Participate in on call schedule
• Attend family meetings and other related meetings, as indicated
• Sign prescriptions for patients on service

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy from an accredited University.
• Minimum of 2-3 years or more of clinical practice.
• Participation in a leadership role in medical staff organization activities.
• Experience in the treatment of end of life care.
• Possess and maintain any and all applicable privileges with hospitals designated (attachment A).
• Demonstrated understanding of the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services requirements.
• Experience effectively collaborating with other disciplines.
• Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
• Unrestricted medical license.
• Board certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
• Valid, unrestricted, DEA registration.
• Valid driver's license and proof of automobile insurance.