The Competitive Advantage of Certified Hospice Physicians

More and more hospices are seeing the competitive advantage that having certified hospice physicians can provide. In fact, there are hospices who are now supporting 100% physician certification. One of those is Agapé Hospice in South Carolina, which made the decision in 2017 to do so.

According to Chief Operating Officer, DeeDee Henderson, “We believe in supporting our physicians with programs recognized with best practices and clinical & administrative expertise in end-of-life care. Having certified hospice physicians further demonstrates to our patients, families and communities our commitment to quality.”

Henderson is encouraging her hospice physicians and medical directors to participate in the certification program through the Hospice Medical Director Certification Board (HMDCB), a program which has certified more than 800 physicians, at least one from all 50 states, since its first exam in 2014. Henderson said, “We are excited about the partnership with HMDCB to drive continuous improvement and professionalism.”

So what is the value of having HMDCB-certified physician leaders in your hospice?

Enhanced Partnership – A physician who has achieved the HMDC credential is an effective partner in the administrative, regulatory, and compliance issues that you regularly face in your role as CEO or administrator, helping you to mitigate the risks inherent in running your hospice. Having a highly informed and knowledgeable lead physician, and creating an effective partnership between the CEO and HMD, is a recipe for success in today’s hospice environment.

Marketability – By employing HMDCs and supporting their efforts to earn the credential, you increase your competitive advantage. Patients and families can be comforted knowing you are investing in physicians who have chosen to differentiate themselves from their peers, and in today’s competitive hospice environment, there is an opportunity for your hospice to showcase this value as you market your services.

Clinical Leadership – Heightened regulatory attention requires that hospices invest in ongoing training and education for their medical staff to be effective leaders. HMDCB-certified physicians have been tested specifically on medical leadership and communication, providing them with a verifiable assessment of their ability to be an effective leader of your hospice’s IDG.

Compliance – HMDC credential holders have reaffirmed and enhanced their knowledge in both clinical and nonclinical topics important to ensuring hospices provide high quality care and meet compliance requirements. Topics tested include not only clinical topics, but also medical leadership and communication, professionalism, and systems-based practice. Take a look at HMDCB’s Content Blueprint to get a full picture of the areas tested. 

The 2018 application cycle for the HMDCB exam is now open through March 27. If physicians apply prior to March 6, they will save $250 on their application fee. Learn more about HMDCB and get questions answered by visiting www.HMDCB.org/ceos.

Don’t delay – encourage your physicians to apply today!