Internal Medicine Physician

Internal Medicine Physician at VITAS Healthcare summary :

An Internal Medicine Physician specializes in providing medical care for patients in hospice settings, collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to ensure quality care and support for patients and their families. The physician evaluates terminal prognosis, develops and revises comprehensive care plans, and educates healthcare personnel on palliative medicine. Additionally, they maintain medical standards and participate in clinical training programs while ensuring timely documentation of patient services.

Team Physician - home and facility settings

JOB DESCRIPTION

The physician has responsibility for the medical care and treatment of patients rendered by the hospice interdisciplinary team (IDT), and shall consult and cooperate with the patients' attending physicians. The physician provides direction and guidance to the staff and volunteers of the hospice IDT to assure the maintenance of quality standards of care for patients and families.

The physician educates practicing physicians and others engaged in health care services regarding the hospice program and its potential benefits to patients.

Direct Patient Care

• Participates in the evaluation and certification / recertification of the terminal prognosis for patients on the team, at indicated intervals.
• Participates in the development of the initial plan of care (IPOC) as a member of the IDT.
• Participates in the development, implementation, and ongoing revision of the comprehensive plan of care.
• Provides accurate and timely documentation of all patient care services provided.
• Participates in ongoing revision of the comprehensive POC when a patient is being cared for at a general inpatient level of care, including review of patient appropriateness for continued inpatient management.
• Intervenes proactively, as required, when there is a possible revocation, and reviews all revocations with the other members of the IDT.
• Provides medical expertise on an on going and timely basis to admission and patient care staff on issues and challenges involving evaluation of terminal prognosis and pain and symptom management.

LICENSE AND EDUCATION

Keywords :

internal medicine, hospice care, palliative medicine, patient care, medical expertise, pain management, interdisciplinary team, healthcare education, terminal prognosis, physician training