In-house physician job description

+ QUALIFICATIONS

+ Doctor of Medicine current Connecticut State Licensure required.

+ Board certification or eligibility in Internal Medicine, Primary Care or Family Medicine.

+ Demonstrated commitment to continued professional development through appropriate continuing education required.

+ Recent experience in patient acute care management is required.

+ JOB SUMMARY

+ House physicians are independent licensed practitioners who will provide direct patient care within specifically delineated clinical privileges during the evenings, nights, weekends, holidays and as needed. As such, house physicians will be available in-house to provide continued physician coverage, respond to any emergency and other patient care needs, and all matters in need of physician intervention.

+ PHYSICAL DEMANDS

+ As a physician, duties require ability to examine, adequately assess, and treat patients in all circumstances. In addition, duties require the ability to move quickly and have the dexterity and strength to perform patient care procedures listed on the approved clinical privileges. Those duties will require frequent walking, stair climbing, some bending, and lifting objects not greater than 30 pounds.

+ COGNITIVE DEMANDS

+ The nature of being a physician demands deductive reasoning, abstract thinking, the ability to infer clues which are at times diffuse and unclear and at others vague and uncertain. Also requires high level problem solving and extensive analytical skills to manage complex medical problems to serve patient needs. Effective verbal and written communication skills to maximize efficiency of care and patient management, and continued care.

+ ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

+ To review, sign and comply with house physician guidelines.

+ Plans/implements all interventions and interactions with an awareness of cultural, ethnic, religious, language and age-related/developmental needs of each patient.

+ To provide hospital and emergency patient care coverage, as well as evaluation and management of patients in all programs, in accordance with duly approved clinical privileges during assigned hours.

+ To promptly respond to urgent/emergency patient care needs in an appropriate and timely manner. To closely follow patients' medical care during assigned hours, and remain flexible to changing responsibilities and demands.

+ To keep patient's attending physician, and the treatment team informed of significant changes in patient's medical status and document these changes in the medical record in a clear and timely manner.

+ To perform comprehensive patient history and physicals for admissions and re-admissions during assigned hours and comply with all medical record documentation requirements.

+ To comply with Patient Safety, and Infection Control and Universal Body Substance Precaution Standards

+ To comply with a patient's death pronouncement, reporting and documentation requirements.

+ To demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills in relationship with patients, families and staff.

+ To comply with attendance and patient sign out requirements.

+ To attend required meetings and orientation in the Department of Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Medicine.

+ To identify opportunities for improving patient care and safety, and report to the Chief of Staff.

Qualifications:
• MD or DO from an accredited medical school
• Licensed to practice medicine in the State of Florida
• Current DEA license number
• Minimum of five (5) years' experience or Fellowship
• If not already certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, completion of either the ABMS Board Certification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine or the HMDCB certification shall be obtained within one (1) year of becoming eligible
• Eligible for malpractice coverage under Organization policy terms
• Board eligible or board certified in a recognized field of the American Board of Medical Specialties preferred
• Knowledge and experience in palliative medical practice and symptom management
• Certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties in Hospice and Palliative Medicine preferred
• Basic computer skills including use of email and word processing (Microsoft Outlook and Word or equivalent programs)
• Mobile Driver - Valid driver's license and automobile insurance per Company policy
• Must have reliable transportation to be able to meet visit schedule
• Must be able to physically access any home in any Hospice area (i.e., navigate stairs, narrow spaces, tolerate heat and lack of air conditioning, etc.)
• Ability to manage the emotional stress of working with and caring for terminally ill patients and their families

Competencies:
• Satisfactorily complete competency requirements for this position.

Responsibilities of all staff:
• Represent the Company professionally at all times through care delivered and/or services provided to all clients.
• Comply with all State, federal and local government regulations, maintaining a strong position against fraud and abuse.
• Comply with Company policies, procedures and standard practices.
• Observe the Company's health, safety and security practices.
• Maintain the confidentiality of patients, families, colleagues and other sensitive situations within the Company.
• Use resources in a fiscally responsible manner.
• Promote the Company through participation in community and professional organizations.
• Participate proactively in improving performance at the organizational, departmental and individual levels.
• Improve own professional knowledge and skill level.
• Advance electronic media skills.
• Support Company research and educational activities.
• Share expertise with co-workers both formally and informally.
• Participate in Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement activities as appropriate for the position.

Leadership Success Factors:
• Communication: Express thoughts and ideas clearly; adapt communication style to fit audience
• Initiative: Originate action to achieve goals
• Management Identification: Identify with and accept the problems and responsibilities of management
• Judgment: Make realistic decisions based on logical assumptions, factual information and in consideration of organizational resources

• Planning, Organizing and Controlling: Establish course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a specific goal; plan proper assignments of personnel and appropriate allocation of resources; monitor results
• Leadership: Use appropriate interpersonal styles and methods in guiding others toward task accomplishment
• Work Standards: Set high goals or standards of performance for self and others; compel others to perform
• Tolerance for Stress: Maintain stability of performance under pressure and/or opposition
• Innovativeness: Generate and/or recognize imaginative, creative solutions in work related situations
• Delegation: Allocate decision making and other responsibilities effectively and appropriately
• Staff Development: Develop the skills & competencies of subordinates
• Organizational Sensitivity: Perceive the impact and implications of decisions on various components of the organization
• Ethics: Model highest standards of conduct and ethical behavior, adopting a strong position against fraud and abuse
• Regulatory Compliance: Educate and monitor staff regarding their own and the organization's responsibilities for regulatory compliance

Job Responsibilities:
• Reviews patient clinical information to determine hospice eligibility based on LCDs and Organization standards at time of admission.
• Works cooperatively with the Patient Access (Admissions) Department to facilitate timely provision of services to potential Organization patients, including performing hospice evaluation visits for potential patients.
• Documents Certifications of Terminal Illness (CTIs) that support hospice eligibility and facilitates accurate and timely ICD coding.
• Makes determinations regarding relatedness of medications, diagnostic testing and procedures provided to Organization patients. Provides required documentation for these determinations.
• Serves as a team Physician and provide clinical expertise for one or more of the interdisciplinary group (IDG) as assigned by the Medical Director.
• Develops program to assume primary or consultative care of patients admitted to the Organization whose referring Physician desires such services or cannot be reached.
• Provides care for patients in the Organization's inpatient facility, at home, in ALFs or SNFs to meet patient needs and productivity goals.
• Participates in after hours and weekend coverage for the Organization's inpatient facilities, for Patient Access and for backing-up ARNPs seeing and/or providing telephonic coverage of hospice patients.
• Completes timely medical documentation consistent with Organization standards for all patient-physician encounters.
• Maintains a regular schedule of medical participation in all components of the Organization's care program, and maintains 24 hour, 7 days a week Medical Services coverage.
• Performs other duties as assigned.