The Medical Director (MD) Designee supports the Hospice Medical Director in providing medical oversight for hospice patients and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, compassionate end-of-life care. Under the direction and delegation of the Hospice Medical Director, the MD Designee provides clinical consultation to the interdisciplinary group (IDG), participates in patient eligibility determinations, assists with certification and recertification of terminal illness as permitted by applicable laws and regulations, and promotes compliance with hospice regulatory requirements and the organization's policies.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Serve as the Medical Director's designee when authorized and delegated.
Provide medical consultation to the hospice interdisciplinary group regarding patient care, pain and symptom management, and disease progression.
Participate in hospice interdisciplinary group (IDG) meetings and assist with the development and review of individualized plans of care.
Review clinical documentation to support hospice eligibility and appropriateness of care.
Participate in the certification and recertification process for terminal illness in accordance with applicable federal and state regulations and organizational policies.
Collaborate with attending physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered nurses, and other healthcare professionals regarding patient care.
Assist in resolving complex clinical issues and provide recommendations for symptom management and goals of care.
Support quality assessment and performance improvement (QAPI) initiatives.
Promote compliance with hospice Conditions of Participation, Medicare regulations, state licensing requirements, accreditation standards, and agency policies.
Assist with the development and review of clinical protocols, policies, and evidence-based practices.
Participate in staff education related to hospice and palliative medicine.
Be available for physician consultation as arranged.
Maintain timely, complete, and accurate clinical documentation.
Qualifications
Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) with an unrestricted license to practice medicine in the state of employment.
Board certification or board eligibility in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, or a related specialty preferred.
Minimum of two years of clinical experience; hospice or palliative care experience preferred.
Current DEA registration, if required for prescribing responsibilities.
Current CPR certification, if required by organizational policy.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of hospice philosophy and palliative care principles.
Knowledge of Medicare Hospice Benefit requirements and hospice Conditions of Participation.
Expertise in pain and symptom management and end-of-life care.
Strong clinical decision-making and communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team.
Knowledge of documentation standards and regulatory compliance.
Commitment to compassionate, patient- and family-centered care.
Physical Requirements
Ability to perform physician duties in office, inpatient, facility, and home settings.
Ability to travel to patient care locations as needed.
Ability to use electronic medical records and other clinical technology.
Working Conditions
Office, hospice inpatient unit, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and patient homes.
May require occasional evening, weekend, or on-call availability.
Performance Expectations
Demonstrates professionalism and ethical medical practice.
Supports the hospice mission, values, and philosophy of care.
Maintains compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Participates in continuing medical education related to hospice and palliative care.
Maintains confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
Disclaimer
This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by the Medical Director Designee. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. Duties may be modified to meet organizational needs and applicable regulatory requirements.
