The Medical Director is responsible for the quality of hyperbaric services provided and is accountable to the medical staff and hospital administration for the activities of the hyperbaric center. In addition, it is the responsibility of the Medical Director to ensure the hyperbaric medicine service has appropriate medical coverage from a licensed provider who has received hyperbaric training and is credentialed by the hospital. The medical director is a key individual in a hyperbaric medicine service. Not only important for staffing and day-to-day function, but the medical director also has an important role in the clinic and patient sa
fety.
Staffing ratios are dependent on patient volume(s), which can range from one to four patients at one time receiving care. One-to-three clinical staff works in the department during scheduled weekday treatments. One nurse and one physician remain on-call for 24-hour coverage. A hyperbaric physician and hyperbaric nurse or CHT will be available at all times by telephone and/or pager. The hospital operator, ED, or other appropriate coordinating resource, will maintain the necessary contact information. The best way to ensure contacting the appropriate staff after hours is to maintain a call calendar.
MEDICAL DIRECTOR RESPONSIBILITIES
The Medical Director through collaboration with the Program Director (Nurse Manager) and the Hyperbaric Safety Director will establish staffing ratios that ensure the provision of optimal patient care that is delivered in a safe and timely manner.
Staffing ratios are dependent on patient volume(s), which can range from one to four patients simultaneously. A one-to-three clinical staff model works in the department during scheduled weekday treatments. The Medical Director will be responsible for the scheduling of hyperbaric physician coverage. The Program Director (Nurse Manager) will be responsible for scheduling qualified staff during all patient treatments.
The common Hyperbaric Medicine Team model includes:
- A Physician Medical Director
- Other Physicians Trained and Credentialed in Hyperbaric Medicine
- A Program Director
- Full and Part-Time Nurses and Technologists
PHYSICIAN EVALUATION
An institutionally credentialed hyperbaric physician will evaluate every patient who is referred to the Hyperbaric Medicine Service. Recommendations for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) will be put into the medical record and provided to the referring physician. Where HBOT is considered appropriate, a treatment regimen will be developed, consistent with the Hyperbaric Treatment Protocol Guidelines. Unless directed otherwise, patients will remain under the care of their primary/referring physician(s) throughout the course of HBOT.
CREDENTIALING AND TRAINING GUIDELINES
Medical Director Job Description
Physician Credentialing Guidelines
Physician Credentialing Privilege List
Physician Training Guidelines
REVIEW/REVISION OF POLICY
This policy shall be reviewed and, if necessary, revised at least every year.
Policy Effective Date:
Reviewed Date:
Revised Date:
