Hospice Physician

Come and work for the only nonprofit Hospice organization in the Austin/Central Texas area! We have been in the local community for over 45 years and are the largest hospice in the area with over 250 dedicated health care professionals and 350 plus volunteers working towards our mission of bringing comfort, dignity, and peace to our community during this transitioning period of people's lives.

This position is Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm with on‑call responsibilities.

DEPARTMENT: Austin Palliative Care
REPORTS TO: Chief Medical Officer/Hospice Medical Director. Physician designee of the Hospice Medical Director.
SUPERVISES: None

Position Summary

Provide patient care practicing within the scope of license, certification or registration, where applicable, and as required by law and regulation. This position is 80‑90% clinical and 10‑20% administrative.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy from an accredited University.
• Minimum of 2‑3 years or more of clinical practice.
• Participation in a leadership role in medical staff organization activities.
• Experience in the treatment of end‑of‑life care.
• Possess and maintain any and all applicable privileges with hospitals designated (attachment A).
• Demonstrated understanding of the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services requirements.
• Experience effectively collaborating with other disciplines.
• Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.).
• Unrestricted medical license.
• Board certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
• Valid, unrestricted, DEA registration.
• Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Work to achieve performance goals, pursue progress toward individual development plan (IDP) and demonstrate Hospice Austin’s values and competencies.
2. Maintain a working knowledge of applicable National, State and local laws and regulations, CHAPS, Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Hospice Conditions of Participation and other regulatory requirements related to the medical and allied health staff.
3. Oversee, direct and support the rendering of medical management decisions that maximize benefits for patients and families while pursuing and supporting Agency objectives.
4. Demonstrate effective leadership as a hospice physician while providing standards for excellence.
5. Participate in professional organizations and represent the Agency in a professional, competent manner in the community.
6. Represent the Agency on ad hoc committees as appropriate; interfaces with the provider community, as indicated.
7. General Patient Administration:
   • Participate in development of care plans, the review of established care plans, and sign care plans with other members of the Interdisciplinary Team.
   • Consult with outside attending physicians in capacity as hospice clinical physician and prepare a written consultation report when required or requested.
8. Conferences:
   • Hospice Team – meet with the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) to review Hospice patients.
   • Meet with Executive Director and management team as necessary.
9. Record Review:
   • Review records at weekly IDT meetings and sign approval of care plans.
   • Review Christopher House records at request of Executive Director, Chief Medical Officer, Hospice Medical Director, or Director of Quality.
10. Education:
    • Offer advice and information to staff.
    • Participate in staff training on medical issues.
    • Make presentations to physicians and other professionals relating to Hospice at the request of the Chief Medical Officer.
    • Participate in training of students at Hospice, including, but not limited to, medical students, residents, fellows, nursing students, and social work practicum placements.
    • Act as liaison with private physicians.
    • Attend the following pre‑scheduled administrative meetings:
      • IDT Meetings
      • Administrative Team Meetings, upon request
      • Performance Improvement Committee Meetings, upon request
11. Clinical care:
    • Provide home team patient visits (including facility patient visits).
    • Perform administrative face‑to‑face visits.
    • Provide clinical visits to all patients at Christopher House.
    • Provide clinical visits to palliative care patients.
    • Participate in on call schedule.
    • Attend family meetings and other related meetings, as indicated.
    • Sign prescriptions for patients on service.