Medical Director

The hospice Medical Director will have overall responsibility for the medical component of the hospice program. They will serve as a medical resource to the interdisciplinary group, complement attending physician care, and will assure continuity of hospice medical services and appropriate measures to control patient symptoms. They may be an employee or work under contract.

The Hospice Medical Director provides oversight of physician services including, but not limited to:

• Complementing attending physician care;
• Supervising all hospice physician employees and contract hospice physicians;
• Acting as a medical resource person to the IDG;
• Assuring overall continuity of the hospice medical services; and
• Assuring that the patient receives appropriate measures to control uncomfortable symptoms.

Collaborating with the IDG to ensure that the medical needs of the patient are met.

Providing oversight of the plan of care, medications and treatments

Adhering to regulations, standards, and conditions of participation required by Medicare, accrediting body, and federal and state statutes governing the provision of services.

Certifying that the patient meets the medical criteria for hospice admission based upon available diagnostic and prognostic indicators, related diagnosis(es) if any, current subjective and objective medical findings, current medication and treatment orders, information about the medical management of any of the patient’s conditions unrelated to the terminal illness.

Re-certifying patients, as appropriate, for continuation of Medicare Hospice Benefit at appropriate levels of care.

Serving as a medical resource to hospice staff, patients, families, and attending physicians regarding pain and symptom control management.

Ensuring the provision of direct medical services to patients either directly or through arrangements, as appropriate, in the absence of the patient’s attending physician.

Attending IDG conferences.

Acting as primary physician for patients whose referring/attending physicians desire to relinquish that care, if the referring/attending physicians are not available for further contact, and/or if the patient/family chooses the hospice Medical Director to assume the role of Attending Physician for them.

Documenting care provided in the patient’s clinical record providing evidence of progression of the end-stage-disease process.

Maintaining current knowledge of the latest research and trends in hospice care and pain/symptom management.

Working in a team approach with the IDG.

Participating in performance improvement programs, as indicated

Providing consultation and education to colleagues and attending physicians related to admission criteria for hospice and palliative care.

Reviewing and developing protocols for treatment and proposing the most current options for interventions.

Demonstrating knowledge in communications and counseling patient/family in dealing with end-of-life issues.

Participating in resolution of interpersonal conflict and issues of clinical and ethical concern.

Participating in the development and updating of patient care policies and emergency procedures.

Serving as a hospice champion in the community.

Acting as a liaison to physicians in the community.

Required Qualifications

• Current unrestricted State (Massachusetts) license to practice medicine (MD or DO)
• Experience with terminally ill patients
• Experience in effective pain management and symptom control
• Reliable transportation and valid automobile insurance coverage
• Requires demonstrated interpersonal, supervisory, and management skills with ability to communicate effectively

Desired Qualifications

• Preferred 5 years’ experience in healthcare, with a combination of acute care and hospice care/public health
• Preferred Board certification in family practice, internal medicine, or palliative care preferred