We are seeking a Hospice Medical Director for a temporary assignment in our Missoula office to help as a medical resource for our Hospice Team. This position is not benefits-eligible and will not include overtime.

Founded in 1987, Partners In Home Care is a non-profit provider of skilled home health, hospice, home infusion, Home Medical Durable Medical Equipment (DME), and Big Sky Waiver services. We are proud to serve communities in Missoula, Lake, Ravalli, Mineral, Sanders, and Granite Counties. This increased focus into rural areas throughout the region reflects the organization’s commitment to delivering compassionate care and support to a wider community. 

For over thirty years, Partners in Home Care has been a beacon of care and comfort in Western Montana offering a comprehensive range of healthcare services that cater to the unique needs of individuals with the goal of helping them live more comfortably in the place they call home. Whether regaining mobility after surgery or trauma, providing compassionate end of life hospice care, receiving infused medications at home, or helping patients sleep better through PAP Therapy, their specialized team of skilled professionals is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for patients and their families during challenging times. 

We offer an exciting new opportunity to join a innovative organization that is growing and expanding while leading the industry in compassionate care. Come be a part of an exceptional team!

Job Summary:

The Hospice Medical Director is responsible for providing clinical leadership and expertise to the hospice IDG and Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement Committee, for the purpose of improving patient medical care and palliation. The Medical Director will facilitate a culture of collaboration among all medical and nursing staff involved with hospice patient care, build relationships with referring PCPs to ensure integration of primary and palliative medicine and with community specialists as needed. The Hospice Medical Director will identify opportunities to improve care delivery, use resources effectively, and comply with legal, regulatory, and clinical policies and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Demonstrated ability in understanding the needs of and working with dying individuals in a hospice and palliative care setting. Demonstrated problem-solving skills. Ability to communicate effectively with referral sources, community members, diverse staff and patients, their families, and caregivers. Skill with electronic medical records required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• The Hospice Medical Director is an integral part of the interdisciplinary group and attends IDG meetings as scheduled, acting as a medical resource for the team, guiding the work of those who provide direct medical services (RN, NP, LPN, CNA), and assuring compliance with medical standards of care for hospice.
• Certifies that the patient meets the medical criteria for hospice admission and approves their level of care based upon available diagnostic and prognostic indicators, related diagnoses if any, current subjective and objective medical findings, current medication and treatment orders, information about the medical management of any of the patient’s medical conditions unrelated to the terminal illness.
• Maintains current knowledge of the latest research and trends in hospice and palliative care, pain/symptom management and provides this education to the hospice team.
• Re-certifying patients, as appropriate, for continuation of the Medicare Hospice Benefit at the appropriate levels of care. Review and sign CTIs for patients whose face-to-face was completed by an NP.
• Assures overall continuity of hospice medical services.
• Assures that the patient receives appropriate measures to control uncomfortable symptoms.
• Participation in the development of a patient’s hospice plan of care.
• In conjunction with the hospice team, the Medical Director participates in patient visits to educate them and their caregivers on medical conditions and the pros and cons of treatments or medications.
• Consults with the patient’s PCP as needed regarding eligibility for hospice care, pain and symptom control. Complements attending physician care.
• Provides direct medical care to hospice clients when necessary.
• Documents care provided in the patient’s clinical record provide evidence of progression of the end stage-disease process.
• Be available to support and consult with hospice team members to assist them as needed to communicate with other physicians, provide patient orders, advise on symptom management, and answer questions regarding hospice qualifications.
• Provides clinical leadership in the development and review of clinical protocols and processes that support appropriate referral and consistent, quality care.
• Actively participates in the organization-wide Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) Plan.
• Participates in operational and administrative planning process.
• Ad hoc activities to support educational, outreach and fundraising goals of Partners In Home Care. Acts as a spokesperson for Partners In Home Care Hospice and liaison with larger medical community.
• Provides outreach and education to community physicians, other community agencies and health care setting as needed.
• Participates in resolution of clinical and ethical concerns. Serves on the ethics committee.

• Provide supervision of cross coverage for physician services and act as liaison between the attending physician and the interdisciplinary group.
• Provide 24-hour medical coverage for routine or emergency medical situations or securing his/her own back up in his/her absence.
• Comply with organization policies and HIPAA regulations regarding patient information and confidentiality.
• Participates in the development and updating of patient care policies and emergency procedures.
• Must stay current on all CMS requirements, enrollments, etc. without causing the organization delay or cost.
• Other Duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• MD/DO degree, current MT license or Compact (in good standing) and active PECOS enrollment).
• Certification in hospice and palliative medicine desirable. A minimum of one year hospice work experience, or completion of a hospice medical director training program.
• Experience with medical ethics and quality improvement methodology preferred.
• A valid driver’s license, car insurance and a dependable car are required.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:

Work is primarily performed in Missoula, MT or Remote. Occasional Activity/conditions exist 0-2.5 hrs/day or up to 30% lifting is necessary. Position requires occasional standing and working in a variety of positions, including bending, stooping, and kneeling. The position includes use of hands to finger, handle, and feel. For clinical positions: Position involves frequent exposure to blood and bodily fluids.