Job Description
Job DescriptionGeriatric Medicine - Physician Overview:
The Medical Director for Hospice plays a pivotal role in providing clinical guidance and medical supervision for a hospice program, ensuring that end-of-life care is compassionate and centered around the patient while adhering to regulatory requirements. This physician position entails working closely with interdisciplinary teams, verifying patient eligibility, overseeing symptom management, and engaging in quality enhancement projects. The role initially offers a flexible schedule on a stipend or per-diem basis, with potential for increased responsibilities and compensation as the hospice program grows.
Job Title: Hospice Medical Director
Location: Oregon; Portland Metro Service Area
Employment Type: Part Time to Full Time; Hybrid
About Us
Our organization is founded by dedicated healthcare professionals committed to revitalizing the essence of hospice care—prioritizing patients, families, and caregivers at the core of the experience. Unlike traditional corporate hospice models, our mission is to restore a personal, adaptable, and compassionate approach that respects the dignity of every individual, offering a truly holistic care model.
This role presents a unique opportunity to influence a developing organization from its inception, with the potential to expand responsibilities as our patient base increases.
Position Summary
The Hospice Medical Director acts as the physician leader of the interdisciplinary group (IDG), providing comprehensive medical direction and oversight for the hospice program in accordance with Medicare Conditions of Participation (42 CFR Part 418), Oregon Administrative Rules for Hospice Programs (OAR), and ACHC accreditation standards. This position guarantees the provision of medically appropriate, compassionate, and ethical hospice care to all patients, while collaborating with both clinical and administrative leadership.
Initially, this is a stipend/per-diem role with a flexible schedule, tailored for a physician seeking meaningful, patient-focused work outside the corporate hospice framework or the daily clinical routine. As the patient census grows, there is an opportunity to transition into a scheduled part-time or full-time position.
The Hospice Medical Director is tasked with delivering clinical leadership and expertise to enhance patient medical care and symptom management. This role collaborates with the hospice team to ensure the integration of primary and palliative medicine by coordinating with referring primary care physicians and specialists, or by assuming the role of attending physician.
The Hospice MD participates in IDG meetings as scheduled (either remotely or in-person), serving as a medical resource for the team, guiding the work of those providing direct medical services (such as RNs, NPs, PAs, LPNs, CNAs, and others), and ensuring adherence to medical standards of care for hospice.
Essential Responsibilities
Clinical
- Assess patient eligibility for hospice services.
- Certify that individuals meet the medical criteria for admission and ongoing recertification based on established prognostic indicators.
- Work with the IDG and attending physician to develop, implement, and update personalized care plans that meet patient needs and goals.
- Provide medical oversight and support to hospice staff as the attending physician or in cases where the attending physician is unavailable.
- Deliver medical management in accordance with the patient’s care plan, coordinating with the attending physician (if not the hospice MD) and tailored to the patient’s condition.
- Act as a resource for hospice staff, patients, families, and attending physicians regarding pain management and symptom control.
- Conduct home visits for patient evaluations and care when clinically appropriate.
- Ensure 24/7 access to medical services for patients and the IDG through pre-established coverage arrangements or personally.
- Provide consultation, education, and support to the IDG and attending physicians on eligibility, symptom management, and overall hospice care.
- Document evidence of disease progression in the patient’s medical record alongside the IDG.
- Review patient medications and treatment plans to verify medical necessity and cost-effectiveness.
- Lead the development and review of clinical guidelines and protocols to ensure appropriate referrals and consistent, high-quality care.
- Stay informed about hospice care practices, including regulations and reimbursement requirements, and integrate this knowledge into daily clinical practice.
Operations
- Ensure consistent delivery and coordination of hospice medical services.
- Confirm that patients receive appropriate interventions to effectively manage discomfort and symptoms.
- Guarantee physician involvement in the creation and ongoing review of each patient’s hospice care plan.
- Engage in quality improvement initiatives, identifying and acting on opportunities to enhance patient care and safety.
- Contribute to organizational budgeting processes and strategic planning efforts.
- Participate in the creation, revision, and implementation of patient care policies and emergency response procedures as needed.
- Respond promptly and appropriately to the needs of both internal and external stakeholders.
Education/Counseling
- May participate in family meetings to educate patients and families about medical conditions and the advantages and disadvantages of treatments or medications.
- Consult with the patient’s primary care physician as needed regarding eligibility for hospice care, pain, and symptom management. Complement the care provided by the primary care physician or assume the role of attending physician upon the election of hospice care.
Qualifications
- Licensed MD/DO in Oregon (unrestricted).
- Preferred experience in hospice, palliative care, geriatrics, or a related field.
- Knowledge of hospice Conditions of Participation, Oregon hospice regulations, and ACHC standards.
- Familiarity with LCD Guidelines and Disease Progressions in Hospice.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.
- Board certification in Hospice & Palliative Medicine is a plus.
Compensation & Opportunity
- Initial Role: Stipend/Per-Diem, with highly flexible scheduling.
- Growth Potential: As the patient census increases, this role has the opportunity to expand with an enhanced compensation package and part-time/full-time involvement.
- Meaningful Work: A chance to step away from the corporate medical environment and engage in truly meaningful, personal, and flexible work.
Join Us
If you are a physician looking for an opportunity to lead and shape a new hospice organization, practice medicine with compassion, and help restore dignity to end-of-life care in Oregon, we encourage you to apply.
Together, we can bring hospice care back to its rightful place—join us in creating a sanctuary of comfort and care.
Keywords:
hospice medical director, geriatrics physician, palliative care, end-of-life care, symptom management, hospice compliance, patient-centered care, medical oversight, home health care, clinical leadership