Clinical Liaison, Hospice Intake

* Obtains and documents referral information, including current medications and treatments, physician, patient and primary care person's agreement to Hospice evaluation visit.
* Evaluates patient referrals to determine appropriateness for admissions to the Hospice Program and/or other VNS Health services. Accepts or declines referrals based on admission criteria and recommends alternative plans of care as appropriate.
* Conducts in-facility assessments in accordance with VNS Hospice care admissions policies and procedures. Under special circumstances, may evaluate and admit patients to inpatient Hospice Care.
* Provides consultation and counseling to referrers, patients and/or families about VNS Hospice Care and end of life care options. Provides on-site in-services for hospital staff on Hospice Care and related topics as requested.
* Coordinates initial Hospice care services with the Hospice Team Coordinator, including ordering supplies, equipment, medications, infusion services, continuous care staffing, etc. as needed. Ensures that needed equipment and services are in place prior to patients' referral for hospice care.
* Notifies Hospice Team of patient's acceptance for services and provides intake data, essential medical background, preliminary care plan and medical orders.
* Collaborates with the Team Manager and staff to ensure that the needs of patient's are being met at the time of discharge or before accepting the patient for home hospice care services.
* Determines insurance coverage for requested hospice services and informs patients and families of sources and extent of coverage. Interprets reimbursement and coverage issues to hospital staff and negotiates with third party payor when necessary to expedite discharge.
* Establishes and promotes ongoing collaborative relationships with program staff, institutional personnel, and other facilities to ensure the coordination of appropriate referrals.
* Acts as a liaison to patients and families during the transitional period between patient's discharge and the initiation of Hospice Team services in the region.
* Participates in initial Management and Interdisciplinary Team meetings for the purpose of information exchange on patient care planning.
* Participates in the Hospice Continuous Quality Improvement meetings related to improved quality patient care.
* Provides summary reports of statistical data of referral and marketing activity related to the facility and hospice program to leadership.
* Acts as a VNS Hospice Care representative at institutional and community programs and functions.
* Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Licenses and Certifications:
Valid driver's license may be required, as determined by operational/regional needs

Education:
Bachelor's Degree in Business/Marketing, or a related field or the equivalent work experience required

Work Experience:
Minimum of two years of sales or marketing experience, preferably in a Hospice or Palliative Care Program, or Oncology services, required
Strong clinical foundation with the ability to understand and converse in clinical terminology required, particularly with non clinicians required
Ability to be persuasive, negotiate to win-win outcomes and demonstrate exceptional customer service skills required
Effective oral and written communication skills required
Proficiency in personal computer operations including MS Office applications required
Experience in management, administration, education and/or discharge planning preferred
Bilingual skills may be required as determined by operational needs