Hospice Medical Director
Compensation
Pay not disclosed
Listing transparency1 of 6 stated
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- Employment & setting
- Full-Time
- Call expectations
- Includes call
- Weekends
- Not specified
Job Description
*Schedule: 7 days on/7 days off*
- MUST BE LOCAL
Provides overall management of medical care of Agency patients and make sure the
provision of Hospice services reflects Eden’s philosophy and standards. The
Medical Director works to establish relationships with the medical community in
order to increase awareness and provide education about Hospice and Palliative
Care.
* Directs and coordinates medical care for the Agency.
* Participates in administrative decision making and establishes policies,
procedures, and guidelines designed to provide adequate, comprehensive care.
* Communicates with patients’ attending physicians and other healthcare
providers regarding the Agency’s policies, procedures, and standards.
* Develops and implements rules, regulations, and policies that govern the
attending physicians that admit patients to the Agency, in conjunction with
the administration.
* Monitors the clinical practice of the attending physicians; may intervene as
needed on the patient’s behalf.
* Assists in developing procedures for the emergency treatment of patients. May
assume care of the patient if the attending physician is not available or the
patient does not have an attending physician.
* Assists with the development of policies and procedures for the admission,
transfer, or discharge of patients to other facilities when necessary.
* Participates in patient comprehensive care planning.
* Participates in the development and implementation of educational programs
for nursing and other healthcare professionals of the Agency.
* Provides clear, concise documentation in medical record as it relates to
reimbursement guidelines and Agency policy and procedure.
* Reviews and evaluates incident reports and identifies hazards to health and
safety to provide a safe and sanitary environment for patients. Makes
relevant recommendations to Administration.
* Helps create environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the
likelihood of medical/health care errors.
* Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.
* Advocates on behalf of the patient to meet the patient’s medical and
psychosocial needs.
* Develops, revises, and implements policies and procedures for patient care,
infection prevention and control, performance improvement, and patient
rights.
* Establishes performance improvement monitoring programs and standards to make
sure the Agency maintains accreditation, licensing, and quality patient care.
* Monitors and evaluates the quality and appropriateness of medical services as
an integral part of the overall performance improvement program.
* Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity.
* Identifies and addresses psychosocial needs of patients and their families.
* Demonstrates extensive knowledge of hospice and palliative care.
* Demonstrates knowledge of current pain management protocols.
* Effectively and consistently communicates administrative directives to
physicians and staff and encourages interactive meetings and discussions.
* Presents periodic reports reflecting the medical services of the Agency and
such special reports as may be required by the Board.
* Develops educational classes for healthcare professionals and the community
regarding hospice and palliative care.
* Acts as the Agency’s medical representative in the community.
* Provides direct patient medical care:
* Approves Patient Admittance
* Confirms Patient Diagnosis and Prognosis
* Recertifies Patients for Each Benefit Period
* Pain Management
* Symptom Management
* Palliative Care
* Inpatient Rounds
* Home Visits
* On Call
* Prescribes Medications and Other Regulated Medical Devices
Qualifications
* Doctorate in Medicine or Osteopathy.
* Currently licensed to practice medicine in the state of employment.
* Current Board Certification in specialty area. Board certified by the
American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine preferred.
* Drug Enforcement Administration Registration.
* Presentation of Certificate of Insurance.
* Experience in hospice and palliative care required.
* Administrative experience preferred.
* Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
* Able to pass criminal background check and national sex offender clearance.
* Must be able to perform patient care as needed.
Key Responsibilities
The Medical Director provides overall management of medical care for agency patients and ensures services meet hospice standards. They also coordinate with attending physicians, participate in administrative decision-making, and act as the agency's medical representative in the community.
Qualifications
- Education
- Doctoral or professional degree (postgraduate degree)
- Experience
- 5+ years of experience
Key Skills
Hospice and Palliative Medicine — Physician Career Context
Physician pay on WeekdayDoc is up 9.1% vs. the prior quarter (through Aug 2026).
The cost-of-living index for Washington is 107.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)). 59.8% of Washington clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
Location & Logistics
Washington has no state income tax, which can significantly increase take-home pay compared to high-tax states.
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