Physician Assistant

General Summary

The Physician Assistant (PA) is responsible for delivery of quality medical care to patients of the Health Center and functions as a member of the multi-disciplinary health care team within the scope of his or her PA practice.

Primary Responsibilities
 
1.    Provides medical services, but only as delegated by a supervising physician.

• Maintains medical expertise and competency (to include age specific competency) as well as demonstrates thorough knowledge of procedures to deliver quality primary medical care. 
• Provides age-appropriate pediatric patient care, incorporating physical wellness exams according to the established Texas Health Steps Periodicity Schedule and provides appropriate care for pediatric illnesses and conditions. 
• Provides medical visits, as scheduled, in direct patient care at clinic site, including extended hours clinics.
• Provides a minimum of three thousand two hundred (3,200) medical encounters for the contract year and provides services equaling to at least forty (40) hours per week in the clinic.
• Examines, diagnoses, and treats patients, on an out-patient basis (as per individual employment contract); prescribes pharmaceuticals, other medications, and treatment regimens as appropriate for assessed medical conditions.
• Refers patients for appropriate specialty care services, lab and x-ray and any other ancillary services that are appropriate for patient’s disease management and care. Reviews all lab and x-ray reports for patients under his/her care in a timely manner as per established Health Center policy and makes medical management decisions appropriately.  Follows appropriate standards of care for each patient.
• Provides continuity of care to Health Center patients as assigned.
• Maintains a health record for each patient and completes patient visit documentation in a timely manner in accordance with the Health Center established Health Record Completion Policy.
• Leads the health care team in identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing patient and family needs to develop a plan of care.
• Educates patients and caregivers regarding preventative care, diagnosis, and treatment plans and provides relevant resources as necessary. 
• Participates in health promotion, education and/or prevention programs as needed.
• Attends and participates in clinic meetings/departmental meetings and other clinic functions as required by the Health Center.
• Provides Basic Life Support services as indicated for emergency situations in the Health Center. 

 2.    Provides clinical oversight under the supervision of the Medical Director. 

• Assumes accountability for delegating, directing, and supervising patient care activities. Trains, mentors and supervises students and support staff engaged in activities and procedures, as appropriate. 
• Participates in quality improvement projects and activities directed for continuous quality improvement and risk management purposes.
• Participates in the review and development of patient care policies, protocols, including health maintenance schedules, and standing orders.
• Implements the plans, procedures and protocols for the medical team.
• Serves as a resource and positive, proactive leader for the department.
• Maintains competency with current health care trends, standards of care, and clinical research that impacts medical practice. 

3.    Maintains professional courtesy at all times.
 4.  Performs all other duties as assigned.  
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Required Preferred
●      Knowledge of advanced principles of health promotion and prevention
●      Knowledge of protocols in general and an ability to quickly gain specific knowledge of the Health Center’s current operational protocols
●      Knowledge of medical terminology and appropriate abbreviations
●      Knowledge of the Texas Medical Practice Act and Texas Medical Board regulations pertinent to Physician Assistants
●      Ability to document, with clarity, all information relevant to a patient’s needs
●      Ability to effectively present information in small group settings to patients, Health Center staff, and the general public 
●      Ability to use office equipment including but not limited to computers, fax machines, telephones and copiers 
Education/Certifications/Licensure

Required Preferred
 

• Degree from an accredited Physician Assistant Program
• Current unrestricted license from the Texas Physician Assistant Board to practice as a Physician Assistant in the State of Texas
• Annual continuing medical education as required by the Texas Physician