Hospice Physician - Part Time

Education/License Requirements: Doctor of Medicine licensed in Arkansas with willingness to pursue Oklahoma licensure. Board certification (or eligibility) in a primary specialty; Demonstrated knowledge of hospice and palliative care principles

Hours/Schedule: Part Time, 10 hour shifts. Will rotate call coverage with other staff physicians. General schedule of 2 weekday shifts per week and 1 weekend shift per month. Additional shifts available as needed/desired.

General Description

Direct medical care and clinical support to hospice patients and families, focusing on comfort, symptom management, and quality of life. The physician collaborates with the interdisciplinary team (IDG), attending physicians, and the Medical Director to ensure care is consistent with hospice philosophy, patient goals, and regulatory standards.

Specific Duties

Provide medical care to hospice patients, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment focused on palliation and comfort

• Manage pain and other distressing symptoms using evidence-based palliative practices
• Conduct face-to-face visits, including required hospice eligibility encounters when applicable
• Participate in goals-of-care discussions with patients and families

Work collaboratively with the hospice interdisciplinary team, including nursing, social work, chaplaincy, and aides

Assist with facilitating admissions to Inpatient and Outpatient including prognosis, terminal diagnosis determination, DNR, peer consultation with attending and referring physicians

Clinical supervision for outpatient teams with oversight of care planning, symptom management, level of care changes, medical decision making and any other task associated with outpatient team supervision

• IPU rounding at multiple facilities with placement based on operational and patient care priorities
• Assist with and perform procedures in the IPU
• Participating in interdisciplinary group (IDG) meetings as required
• Educate patients and families on disease progression, symptom management, and end-of-life expectations
• Support ethical decision-making; Research, exercise and promote best practices in palliative and hospice medicine
• Certify and recertify patient eligibility for hospice services in accordance with CMS guidelines
• Review and approve plans of care, medication regimens, and symptom management strategies
• Provide clinical consultation, education and guidance to team members including Nurses, CNA's, Social Workers, Chaplains, and nurse practitioners, nurses, and other team members Provide clinical guidance and education to hospice staff
• Ensure compliance with Medicare, Medicaid, state, and accrediting body requirements
• Participate in chart reviews, audits, and survey readiness activities
• Collaborate with attending physicians to ensure continuity and appropriateness of care
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and performance review activities
• Be flexible, organized and work effectively and professionally under stress
• Demonstrates compassion, empathy, and patience when interacting with patients, families, co-workers, and members of the public.
• Represents Circle of Life to the community in a positive manner.
• Demonstrates flexibility, versatility, and a positive attitude in integrating additional duties.
• Performs other duties as assigned.