Alternate Medical Director

Job Description

Job Description

TITLE OF POSITION: ALTERNATE MEDICAL DIRECTOR

TITLE OF IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: ADMINISTRATOR

RISK OF EXPOSURE TO BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS – MODERATE

The Hospice Alternate Medical Director will have overall responsibility for the medical component of the hospice program in the absence of the Medical Director. 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 endstage-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.

Position requires deadlines and timelines required by governing and regulatory organizations.

It requires minimal lifting of office records and printouts.

It is primarily a desk job which essentially involves sitting, standing, stooping and walking, as well as

telephone communication. Face to face visits may be required, which may entail moderate physical exertion and car travel.

Travel may be required, by car or airplane to local, out-of-town or state seminars, conferences or meetings.

Hearing, eyesight and physical dexterity must be sufficient to perform a physical assessment of the patient's condition and to perform and demonstrate patient care.

Utilization of a computer, multi-line telephone, copy machine, and other office and basic medical equipment.

Has access to assigned patient medical records and personnel records of hospice physicians.

8. Must be a physician (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), licensed to practice medicine in the State of Massachusetts.

9. Certified in Hospice or a related specialty.

10. Has experience with end of life care.

11. Maintains controlled substances registration with state and federal authorities.

12. Must have the ability to demonstrate self-confidence and positive attitude toward self and others and

maintain commitment and enthusiasm to goal achievement.

13. Not excluded from the Medicare program.

14. The ability to communicate well, both verbally and in writing.