Our Hospice of South Central Indiana is seeking a Hospice & Palliative Care Physician for their Columbus, Indiana facility. The Hospice Physician will provide direct patient care and symptom management to hospice patients while assuring care is in compliance with Medicare and other regulatory programs. The clinician will also serve as liaison between the primary physician and the hospice team, providing care and facilitating communication and continuity of the care plan. The clinician will also support the admission and care delivery process of hospice patients. Primary Responsibilities include: 1. Responsible for the medical component of the hospice’s patient care program. a. In conjunction with the Interdisciplinary Group (IDG) is responsible for or participates in making decisions regarding admissions to hospice home care or inpatient settings(s). b. Participates in the development of individual plans of care before admission of a patient/family to the program c. Acts as a liaison between the attending physician and the IDG. d. Acts as primary/attending physician when patients have no primary/attending physician. e. Participates in the development, evaluation, and revision of written care plans by attending the IDG meetings. f. Participates in medication review, titration, or discontinuation, in line with patient’s condition and goals. g. Participates in IDG, completing medication review, relatedness and clinical decision making. h. Is available to have goals of care conferences with patients and families who are considering the choice of hospice, to help counsel and coordinate care in line with patient’s condition and goals. These visits can be required either: - Before choosing hospice (such as a palliative care consult). - While under the care of hospice. 2. Works collaborative with other medical staff. a. May be asked to assist with work assigned to other medical colleagues as work load indicates. b. Rotates for weekend and holiday call to provide for the 24 hour, 7 day a week needs for hospice in all levels of care. 3. Visits hospice patients as indicated. a. Makes visits to hospice patients whether at patient’s home or a residential facility as indicated for symptom management or re-certification of hospice eligibility. b. Makes visits to hospice patients in the Hospice Inpatient Facility as indicated. 4. Completes all required documentation in a timely manner. a. Documents patient visits per State and Federal regulation. b. Completes death certificates, CTIs and other documentation as needed. 5. Responsible for making quality, cost effective medical care decisions. 6. Serves as a liaison with community physicians, medical schools, hospitals and nursing homes. 7. Advises Medical Director of exceptional conditions, such as unanticipated adverse outcomes in the clinical setting. 8. Stays up to date on notifications, emails and Chex educations, and is responsible for updated information. 9. During work hours, is available to discuss treatment options, make recommendations for symptom management in patients who are considering or enrolled in hospice 10. May involve direct discussion with referring MD to clarify needs and expectations. 11. Will fulfill the role of Medical Director as Medical Director Designee, when Medical Director is unavailable for protracted times. QUALIFICATIONS 1. Education – Doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy degree. 2. Experience a. At least two years’ experience in a medical specialty dealing with terminally ill patients, such as oncology or geriatrics and with demonstrated experience in the principles of pain and symptom management. Hospice and Palliative Medicine board certification preferred. b. Five to ten years’ experience in health care administration with good managerial skills; strong oral and written communication skills; good interpersonal and motivational skills. c. Proven team leader 3. Licensure a. Licensed Physician in the state of Indiana. b. Board certification by an American Board of Medical Specialties approved board examination, an osteopathic medicine equivalent. c. Board certification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, preferred d. Must possess a valid Indiana driver’s license, and current auto insurance. e. Hold a current and updated DEA license f. Obtain and maintain privileges at Columbus Regional Hospital. g. Remain current in CME hours in a primary specialty. |