HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE PHYSICIAN

Description

Full-Time Position 

Bilingual English & Spanish Preferred

Summary & Objective

The Palliative and Hospice Physician provides palliation and management of the patient’s serious or terminal illness and related conditions.

Essential Functions

• Reviews medical record and/or performs history and physical examination of patients to document appropriateness of services including validating prognosis and diagnosis following protocols and procedures.
• Provides clinical documentation and billing for patients following protocols and procedures.
• Assists in developing interdisciplinary plan of care.
• Attends and participates in Interdisciplinary Team Meetings as required. Reviews the patients' current medical condition and participates in preparing or updating the plan of care with other team members.
• Provides medical care in the hospital, patient’s home, nursing home and/or inpatient units. Interacts with patient and Primary Care Giver (PCG) regarding plan of care and documents same.
• Acts as a consultant to attending physicians and members of the interdisciplinary team.
• Able to identify and provide ongoing assessment of the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of the patient and family and act accordingly or initiate appropriate intervention or referral.
• Demonstrates knowledge of hospice levels of care and Medicare and Medicaid Hospice Benefits. Provides appropriate documentation.

*Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Other Duties

• Conducts palliative and hospice visits, as assigned by the Medical Director(s) in various settings including hospitals, nursing homes, and patient homes.
• Ensures that the provisions of services follow all applicable laws, regulations, accreditation standards and policies.
• Complies with all policies, local, state and federal laws and regulations.
• Maintains required licenses and certifications.
• Remains current in knowledge about hospice and palliative care which is dedicated to the provision of quality patient care and completes mandatory skill updates.
• Visits the patient and/or family in accordance with the care plan, and in the event of an emergency or when specifically requested.
• Applies for and maintains medical staff privileges at hospitals in service areas, as required.
• Covers on-call emergencies, including weekends and holidays, if needed.
• Covers Physician Team Members in various locations within Broward and Miami- Dade County for emergencies and for planned time off.
• Signs death certificates as necessary.
• Communicates effectively, personally and on behalf of Catholic Hospice, to Board, staff, patients, families and the public. 
• Handles sensitive information and maintains confidentiality.
• Maintains liaison with community physicians.
• Represents Catholic Hospice and Catholic Palliative Care Services at community functions, as requested.
• Works within diverse social and economic situations without imposing own values.
• Encourages the reporting of suspected fraud and other improprieties.
• Provides orientation on a regular basis to new employees. 
• Ensures effective communication with Interdisciplinary Teams.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Medical Director in the scope of a Hospice and Palliative Physician.

Supervisory Responsibility

• May serve as an interim department leader depending on need.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and push/pull up to 250 pounds, walk, climb stair or ladders, stand on feet for extended periods of time, etc.

Disclaimer

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

EEOC Statement

CHS provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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.

Requirements

Knowledge & Experience Requirements

• Medical Degree from an accredited School of Medicine required. 
• MD or DO license to practice medicine in the State of Florida.
• Board certified or eligible in Hospice/ Palliative Care required.
• 2 years full time paid Physician experience preferred.
• 2 years of Hospice and Palliative Care experience preferred.  
• Demonstrated understanding of palliative and hospice philosophy, including pain and symptom management.
• Demonstrated understanding of team approach and communication.
• Must have knowledge of computer office/clinical software.
• Must be able to read, write and understand the English language.