Hospice Physician - Medical Director

Overview:

The Hospice Medical Director is a key leadership position responsible for the overall medical care and services provided to hospice patients. This individual works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team to ensure high-quality, compassionate, and patient-centered care. The Medical Director provides medical oversight, guidance, and expertise in pain and symptom management, as well as end-of-life care planning. This role requires a strong commitment to the hospice philosophy and a deep understanding of palliative medicine.

Key Responsibilities:

• Clinical Leadership and Oversight:

  • Provide medical leadership and direction to the hospice interdisciplinary team, including nurses, social workers, chaplains, and aides.

  • Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, as well as accreditation standards (e.g., The Joint Commission, CHAP).

  • Review and certify patient eligibility for hospice services in accordance with Medicare and other payer guidelines.

  • Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to review patient care plans, provide medical guidance, and address complex clinical issues.

• Patient Care and Management:

  • Conduct patient visits as needed, particularly for complex cases or to address specific medical concerns.

  • Provide medical expertise in pain and symptom management, recommending appropriate pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.

  • Collaborate with the patient's attending physician to ensure continuity of care and a seamless transition to hospice services.

  • Educate patients and families on their medical condition, prognosis, and treatment options.

• Education and Training:

  • Educate and mentor hospice staff on palliative care principles, pain management, and other medical topics.

  • Provide in-service training and case presentations to enhance the clinical knowledge of the interdisciplinary team.

  • Stay current with the latest research and best practices in palliative and end-of-life care.

• Quality and Compliance:

  • Participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance the delivery of hospice services.

  • Review patient charts and medical documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance.

  • Serve as a resource for the clinical team on medical and ethical issues related to end-of-life care.

• Administrative Duties:

  • Collaborate with hospice administration on program development, strategic planning, and budget management.

  • Represent the hospice in the medical community and with external partners.

  • Assist with the recruitment and retention of medical staff.

Qualifications:

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

• 5 or more years with end of life experience 

• Must have Hospice Medical Director Certification Exam complete

• Current, unrestricted medical license in the state of practice.

• Board certification in a primary care specialty (e.g., Internal Medicine, Family Medicine) is often preferred.

• Board certification or eligibility in Hospice and Palliative Medicine is highly desirable.

• Minimum of 2-5 years of experience in hospice or palliative care.

• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Deep empathy and compassion for patients and families facing a life-limiting illness.

• Knowledge of Medicare and other payer regulations related to hospice care.

Reports To:

• Executive Director or Chief Medical Officer

Job Type:

• Full-time, Part-time, or Contract (depending on the organization's needs)

Work Environment:

• A combination of administrative office work, patient visits (in-home, nursing facility, or inpatient unit), and participation in community events.