Physician Oversight
Expert medical direction and collaboration with your primary care doctor to ensure the highest standard of care.
Physician Oversight
Every patient receiving care from GLC Hospice benefits from the oversight of our Hospice Medical Director, a physician with specialized expertise in end-of-life care, pain management, and symptom control.
The Hospice Medical Director plays a critical role behind the scenes. They review every patient's admission to ensure hospice eligibility, consult closely with the interdisciplinary team during regular case conferences, and provide expert medical guidance on complex symptom management. When a patient's pain or symptoms are difficult to control, the Medical Director collaborates with the nursing staff to adjust medications and develop new strategies for comfort.
Importantly, the Hospice Medical Director does not replace the patient's personal attending physician — unless the patient chooses them to do so. We believe that the relationship between a patient and their primary care doctor or specialist is vital, and our Medical Director works in partnership with the attending physician, ensuring that care is coordinated, communication is clear, and the patient's goals remain the central focus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the hospice doctor take over my loved one's care completely?
Not usually. In most cases, the patient's primary care physician or specialist remains the attending physician and continues to direct the care plan. Our Hospice Medical Director serves as a consultant and collaborator, bringing specialized hospice expertise to the team while respecting the established physician-patient relationship.
Will the hospice doctor visit the patient at home?
The majority of in-home care is provided by our skilled nurses, who serve as the eyes and ears of the physician. However, the Hospice Medical Director may conduct home visits in specific situations, such as when a patient is experiencing complex symptoms that are difficult to manage, or when a face-to-face assessment is required= for recertification of hospice eligibility.
What if the patient's personal doctor is unfamiliar with hospice care?
Our Hospice Medical Director is available to consult directly with the attending physician. They share their expertise in palliative symptom management, offer recommendations, and ensure the attending physician has all the information needed to confidently support the patient's end-of-life care plan.
Can we choose the Hospice Medical Director as our attending physician?
Yes. If a patient does not have a primary care physician, or if their physician prefers not to direct hospice care, the patient or family can choose to have our Hospice Medical Director assume the role of the attending physician for the duration of hospice services.
Request This Service
If you or a loved one could benefit from our services, our admissions team is available 24/7 to help you get started.