Job Title

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE Maintains license to practice medicine in the State of Michigan. Certification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine preferred. Board certification in the Medical specialties of Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Oncology, or appropriate primary care specialty required. At least three (3) years' experience in the practice of medicine. Maintains current BLS certification. Familiar with the philosophy of Palliative/Hospice care. Expertise in pain and symptom management, especially in the appropriate use of narcotics. Experience with issues concerning end of life care, pain and symptom management and the dying process. Comfortable and skilled in conversations with patients and their family regarding prognosis and decision-making weighing treatment options to match quality of life. Presents a negative TB skin test and/or chest X-ray and other tests as required by Centrica Care Navigators. Maintains a valid Michigan's driver's license and has the availability of a reliable, licensed and insured vehicle for use on the job, vehicle must be insured in accordance with the State of Michigan. Remains up-to-date on all routine immunizations required by LARA and agency policy. Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES The Hospice Physician is responsible for the palliation and management of the terminal illness for assigned hospice patient. Assumes the responsibilities and acts as the designee for the Medical Director in his/her absence. Actively supports the work of the interdisciplinary group. RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES Primary Duties Certifies and recertifies Hospice patients, ensuring they meet the medical criteria for admission and for continued services in the Hospice program, based upon available diagnostic and prognostic indicators. Collaborates with attending physicians from the community and other interdisciplinary team members to establish immediate and long-term therapeutic goals. Helps to set clinical priorities and in developing a plan of care. If the attending physician cannot follow a patient or is unavailable, the Associate Medical Director will assume that role and will be responsible for meeting the medical needs of the patient. Shares the organization's patient caseload responsibilities with the Medical Director and any other Hospice Physician(s). Develops ongoing positive and professional relationships with contracted providers and other related bodies. Monitors, interprets and reports to the Medical Director clinical indicators to detect trends which could affect quality of care, staffing levels, revenues or expenses. Participates in public relation and community activities that promote Centrica Care Navigators, as requested. Promotes Hospice referrals in the community; maintains a good standing in the community. Provides families and others in the community with appropriate information to make informed decisions regarding Hospice care and services. Provides ongoing education and consultation on medical issues to staff, to assist them in continually improving all aspects of Hospice services provided. Stays informed about changes in the field(s) of expertise and hospice care; shares information with the appropriate personnel. Assists in the Hospice orientation and education of medical students and residents. Meets established visit goals for hospice patients residing in their homes; including assisted living, skilled nursing facilities and other living environments. Competent in the use of the electronic medical record for documentation and understands physician billing codes and their appropriate application that reflects the service provided. Uses established clinical guidelines for quality and optimal outcomes in making decisions concerning ordering of medications and treatments. Cost effectiveness and the use of hospice standing orders are part of the decision making.