Physician Assistant

Overview:

Overview

The physician assistant works under the supervision of a physician and performs delegated medical acts within the scope of practice of the supervising physician and consistent with the PA's skill, training education and competence.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities

In-office responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1.1 Obtains patient histories including complete or partial review of systems.

1.2 Performs physical exam based on history and chief complaint.

1.3 Forms judgments and/or diagnosis pertinent to the patient's presenting health status.

1.4 Analyzes data and formulates problem lists.

1.5 Establishes treatment plans.

1.6 Educates and answers all patient questions and concerns.

1.7 Initiates referral to other physicians or health care provider when appropriate.

1.8 Orders and coordinates health care with home care.

1.9 Sees patients in-office postoperatively.

1.10 Reviews reports from therapists and consultations from other physicians.

1.11 Handles incoming patient calls and responds in a timely manner.

1.12 Orders medications and tests.

1.13 Contacts patients with test results in a timely manner.

1.14 Triages patients who present for urgent problems.

1.15 Manages medication refills.

1.16 Maintains communication with employers for worker's compensation cases.

1.17 Follows SJHS preventive health and clinical practice guidelines.

1.18 Starts clinic session on time.

1.19 Patient in-office wait times are consistently within clinic standard.

In hospital and skilled nursing facility responsibilities include, but not limited to:

2.1 Serves as a surgical first assistant.

2.2 Coordinates with the operating room to ensure all equipment pertinent to the case is available.

2.3 Starts intravenous, arterial and central venous lines.

2.4 Positions, preps and drapes patients.

2.5 Sutures, ties knots and closes wounds.

2.6 Accompanies the patient to the post-anesthesia care unit or ICU and advises staff of appropriate post-operative care instructions.

2.7 Writes pre- and postoperative orders.

2.8 Performs histories and physicals prior to surgery or at time of admission.

2.9 Orders pre-operative tests and reviews prior to surgery.

2.10 Follows-up on any abnormal lab tests.

2.11 Makes patient rounds in the ICU, on hospital floor and SNF.

2.12 Writes orders for tests and therapies.

2.13 Removes sutures, staples and lines post-operatively.

2.14 Monitors patients' progress on clinical pathways.

2.15 Provides post-operative care, including pain management in accordance with state law.

2.16 Coordinates care plans including discharge planning with utilization management and social services.

2.17 Writes or dictates progress notes and discharge summaries.

2.18 Writes medication orders in accordance with state law.

2.19 Maintains communication with nursing staff.

2.20 Reviews and interprets radiographs, "wet readings".

Other responsibilities include, but not limited to:

3.1 Maintains an appropriate patient load consistent with level of experience.

3.2 Documents all patient interactions within 24 hours of the encounter using SJHS and CPT documentation guidelines.

3.3 Submits charges within 72 hours of the encounter supplying correct ICD-9 and CPT codes.

3.4 Communicates effectively in verbal and written form with all levels of patients, staff and management.

3.5 Ensures compliance with federal and state laws and accrediting agency standards.

3.6 Issues directives and delegates appropriate responsibility and authority to other employees.

3.7 In conjunction with the supervising physician, reviews and documents their work, records and practice activities every two weeks.

3.8 Meets on-call and weekend responsibilities.

3.9 Observes universal precautions consistently.

3.10 Wears proper personal protective equipment when appropriate.

3.11 Wears clothing and Health System badge consistent with dress code, and attends to personal hygiene to maintain a clean, well-groomed appearance.

3.12 Meets Health System attendance standards.

Qualifications:

Qualifications

Education: Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program.

Licensure: Recognized as a Physician Assistant in the State of Missouri by the State Board of Healing Arts.

Experience: Knowledge and demonstrated ability in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques required to practice medicine within the scope of practice of the supervising physician.

Certifications: Certification or pending certification by the National Committee for Certification of Physician Assistants.

Other: Clinical education, training and experience in area of clinical practice.

Preferred Education:

Preferred Licensure:

Preferred Experience:

Preferred Certifications:

Preferred Other:

Options: