Hospice Physician

Summary/Objective: The Hospice Physician has overall responsibility for the medical and physician services of the Agency. This role also has the responsibility to ensure that the highest quality physician services are provided and ensure evidence-based medical services are provided according to the acceptable standards of practice. 

Accountability:

The Hospice Physician is accountable to the Executive Director.

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodation may be needed to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Maintains current expertise in providing hospice care, stays abreast of legislative changes affecting hospice, and maintains knowledge of reimbursement mechanisms, regulatory requirements, managed care contract requirements and hospice service contracts.


2. Supports, where appropriate, the hospice referral process and the smooth transition of patients to PBH&HH hospice services from referral sources.


3. Completes hospice consults and admission assessments to determine the patient’s/family’s hospice needs including
   
   
   
   1. Develops the initial plan of care in collaboration with the patient/family directly, or in collaboration with other hospice staff
   
   
   2. Communicates information relative to the plan of care to appropriate staff as assigned to hospice patients and to other members of the Hospice team.
   
   
   
   


4. Educates patients/families and others about the hospice philosophy of care and services available.


5. Provides on-going end-of-life and hospice regulatory education to PBH&HH staff and others.


6. Maintains close contact with primary physicians and the Director of Home Health & Hospice to provide optimal physical, emotional, spiritual and social support for hospice patients and to ensure appropriateness of admission to Hospice


7. Facilitates communication with the patient, hospice case manager, hospice vendors (e.g., DME provider, pharmacy) and, if applicable, facility staff


8. Facilitates patient case conferences as needed


9. Participates in medication/Pharmacist review


10. Participates in Quality Assurance Performance Improvement activities including utilization management and patient satisfaction activities to ensure that hospice services meet client needs and comply with regulations


11. Makes recommendations to the Director of Home Health & Hospice regarding educational needs of the hospice staff, facility staff and physicians


12. Maintains professional competence by participating in continuing education programs relevant to job responsibilities


13. Treats all internal and external customers in a positive and respectful manner


14. Accepts and offers feedback in a positive manner.


15. Demonstrates effective verbal, nonverbal and written communication with patients, family members, members of the healthcare team and community.


16. Demonstrates knowledge of honoring patient rights and responsibilities.


17. Maintains confidentiality in all matters related to the agency and patients in accordance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.


18. Timely and accurate documentation.


19. Complies with all agency rules and regulations.

Competencies:

1. Ethical conduct


2. Excellent communication skills


3. Conscientiousness


4. Empathy


5. Self-awareness


6. Sense of humor


7. Exceptional listening skills


8. Technology savvy


9. Conflict resolution instincts


10. Creativity in the face of challenges


11. Diplomacy in difficult situations


12. Teamwork


13. Positive Attitude


14. Knowledge of COPs

Supervisory Responsibility:

None

Work Environment:

This job typically functions from the employee’s home, patient’s home, or in the office setting for meetings. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers and phones. 

Physical Demands:

This is mostly a sedentary role but also involves some mobility to perform home visits for patients. This will require the ability to lift equipment and bend or stand as necessary. 

Travel:

Travel is expected for this position.

Other Qualifications:

1. Duly licensed to practice medicine without restriction in the State of NH.


2. Doctorate in Medicine or Osteopath


3. Certified in Hospice Care, preferred


4. Current licensure with the Drug Enforcement Administration without any limitations on authority to prescribe drugs under such registration.


5. Registered as a qualified Medicare and Medicaid provider.


6. Eligible for privileges in a local hospital


7. Must be CAQH registered (current or within 6 months of hire)


8. Must be able to read, write and speak English fluently


9. Must be able to be part of call rotation.


10. Must be available to work Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday if needed


11. Must be able to supply a valid driver’s license without restrictions


12. Must be able to sit for long periods of time viewing small print


13. Must be able to comply with PBH&HH safety and dress code policies


14. Must be able to meet the lifting requirements of the position


15. Must pass a criminal and driving record check as well as Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services


16. Must be able to provide eligible to work in United States paperwork within 3 days of hire.


17. Must have reliable transportation and be able to supply proof of car insurance in the amount of $100,000/$300,000 coverage.

EEO Statement: 

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health (PBH&HH) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, PBH&HH complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.