Role of the patient's attending physician
Hosparus responsibilities to the patient's attending physician:
- Obtain orders for admission to Hosparus from attending physician.
- Forward the initial plan of care, admission orders, and standing orders to the physician for review and signature.
- Obtain the physician's input when changes in the patient's status (i.e. inpatient care, continuous care, discharge) are under consideration.
- In collaboration with attending physician, re-evaluate every 60 days for appropriateness of hospice care.
- Record changes in the plan of care as well as patient responses to care and treatment and update the physician of significant changes in the patient's condition or needs as they occur.
- Upon request, provide consultation through the hospice medical director regarding the patient's hospice plan of care as needed.
- Assist the attending physician by providing orders for patient's symptom management when the attending physician (or his/her representative) is not available. The hospice medical director assumes this responsibility.
- Inform the physician (or his/her office or answering service) of the patient's death.
Doctors on staff. Hosparus offers an expertly trained team of medical professionals.
Responsibilities of the patient's attending physician:
- Verbally agree to the initial referral of patients appropriate for hospice care; agree to provision of palliative care and use of hospice protocols in caring for patients referred.
- Certify the patient as appropriate for hospice care at the time of admission.
- Review, sign, and return the initial plan of care, admission orders and any standing orders agreed upon within 48 hours of receipt.
- Participate in the care planning process by providing the admitting diagnosis and prognosis, a history and physical, and current medical findings to hospice; participate in decision making regarding continued hospice appropriateness by providing additional input as needed.
- Provide orders that include a description of any needed treatments and procedures, the type, frequency, and duration of those treatments; medications to be administered or monitored; a description of equipment and related supplies provided by the organization; and a description of any medical, physical, psychosocial, or environmental precautions or limitations that affect implementation of care.
- Assist with continuity of care by being available or providing coverage for the patient's medical supervision 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If unavailable, agree to coverage by the hospice medical director including the provision of orders necessary for effective symptom management.
- Communicate with the patient's primary hospice nurse and other team members as appropriate to discuss changes in the patient's condition and to relay orders.
- Sign and return written follow-up telephone orders within 21 days of receipt.
- Assure that written prescriptions for controlled substances are made available to the hospice pharmacy provider as needed for the patient's pain management.
- Review all updates and information regarding the patient's care (i.e. re-certification and updated care plans, physician update letters, and case conference summaries).
- Make appropriate referrals to other organizations or other physicians in accordance with patient needs.
To reach a Hosparus physician near you, call toll-free (800) 264-0521.
