Physician LongTerm Care and Transitional Care Units

Job Summary :

The physician in Long-Term Care (LTC) and Transitional Care Units (TCUs) is responsible for providing comprehensive medical care to patients residing in long-term care facilities and those transitioning from acute care hospitals to these units. The physician's primary goal is to ensure the overall health and well-being of patients in these settings, focusing on prevention, diagnosis, and management of acute and chronic conditions.

Duties and Responsibilities :

1. Patient Care :

Conduct comprehensive initial assessments and ongoing medical evaluations of patients in LTC and TCUs.

Develop and implement individualized care plans based on patients' medical history, condition, and goals of care.

Provide routine and urgent medical care, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, injuries, and chronic conditions.

Prescribe medications and adjust treatment plans as necessary, considering patients' unique needs, preferences, and drug interactions.

Order and interpret diagnostic tests, such as laboratory work, imaging, and other relevant assessments.

Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including nurses, therapists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals, to coordinate patient care and ensure holistic treatment approaches.

Educate patients, families, and caregivers on disease management, treatment options, and medication adherence.

Monitor and review patients' progress, updating care plans as needed to optimize health outcomes.

Address end-of-life care decisions and collaborate with palliative care and hospice teams when necessary.

2. Documentation and Communication :

Maintain accurate and up-to-date medical records, documenting patient assessments, diagnoses, treatment plans, and progress notes.

Communicate effectively with patients, families, and caregivers, providing clear explanations of medical conditions, treatment options, and prognosis.

Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team through regular meetings and discussions to ensure coordinated and efficient patient care.

Consult and collaborate with specialists as needed for complex medical cases or specialized care.

3. Quality Assurance and Compliance :

Adhere to professional and ethical standards, including patient confidentiality, informed consent, and other regulatory requirements.

Stay updated on the latest medical advancements, treatment guidelines, and evidence-based practices relevant to LTC and TCU settings.

Participate in quality improvement initiatives, research projects, and educational programs to enhance patient care and outcomes.

Assist in developing and implementing policies and protocols to ensure high-quality care delivery.

Collaborate with the healthcare administration and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards.

Qualifications and Requirements :

Medical degree (MD or DO) from an accredited medical school.

Board certification or eligibility in the respective specialty (e.g., Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Family Medicine, etc.).

Valid and unrestricted medical license to practice in the jurisdiction.

Prior experience in long-term care, transitional care, or geriatrics is preferred.

Strong clinical knowledge and skills in diagnosing and managing complex medical conditions.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary team.

Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary healthcare setting.

Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple patient cases and responsibilities effectively.

Commitment to providing patient-centered care with compassion, empathy, and respect.

Note : This job description is a general overview of the typical responsibilities and requirements for a physician working in long-term care and transitional care units. Specific roles and expectations may vary depending on the healthcare organization and local regulations.