Orthopedic Physician Associate

Under the general supervision of the collaborating Orthopedic surgeon(s), is responsible for performing diversified clinical duties in support of orthopedic practice in evidence based guidelines in the care and treatment of patients in a courteous, respectful, and caring manner.

 Direct Patient Care: 

·         Conducts physical diagnostic, medical history taking, and therapeutic procedures in a professional manner in accordance with established standards of care and practice in orthopedic medicine. This primary function is expected to be performed in the outpatient office setting, the OR, the Emergency Department, inpatient units, and all other approved Huggins Hospital locations.

·         Formulates, in collaboration with patient, an appropriate plan of care based on physical exam, patient history and clinical findings, consulting with physician(s) as necessary.

·         Contacts patients with follow up information on testing, in accordance with clinical practice, in tandem with Hospital policy and procedure.

·         Recognizes and reports relevant information that requires urgent attention, and ensures follow through

·         Writes or submits orders including diagnostic tests, referrals, and medication within the EMR in a timely manner.

·         Educates patients and their families about orthopedic conditions, treatment options and preventative care strategies such as diet and activity.  Makes the appropriate referrals to services that aim at addressing treatment options.

·         Collaborates with the front office and clinical team to triage urgent needs and complete same day appointments.

·         Completes peer to peers for insurance companies required for diagnostic tests, surgeries, and or any other orders placed by orthopedic providers

·         Performs procedures such as but not limited to: digital blocks, regional anesthesia, and minor outpatient surgical procedures. These minor outpatient procedures may include but are not limited to: tendon repair, wound closure, wound management, wound debridement, incision and drainage, needle biopsy, k-wire removal and hardware removal.  

·         Performs diagnostic and therapeutic procedures including but not limited to joint and bursa aspirations, closed reduction of fractures and dislocations, injections of joints, tendons, trigger points and bursa, as well as brace, cast and splint applications.

·         Assists in surgery to include but not limited to first assist, deep and superficial tissue closures, application of appliances and any other action delegated by the surgeon.

·         Conducts hospital rounds, and submit orders. Evaluate and clarify clinical conditions, formulate and implement a treatment or therapeutic plan for hospitalized patients, dictate discharge summaries, histories and physicals.

·         Participates equally per calendar year amongst the team to provide daily on-call coverage.

·         When on primary call acts as the primary point person for any orthopedic related inquiries.  Will consult with the surgeon, ED provider, Anesthesia, consultants, nursing, and Hospitalist as needed. When on secondary call will be available to the on call primary Surgeon.  May be needed to come onsite to assist in the management of the patient.

·         Participates in the facilitation/coordination of multidisciplinary resources needed for surgical and non-surgical orthopedic care.

 Care Coordination:

·         Communicates with referring specialists and providers, serving as an ambassador for the orthopedic department service lines.

·         Works collaboratively and cooperatively with all members of the multi-disciplinary teams.

·         Makes medical diagnoses and intervene with appropriate treatment including referrals of patients to other healthcare facilities, agencies, resources of the community, or other physicians.

·         Coordinates treatment with patient and family members.

·         Promotes the orthopedic department and service lines by participating in community offerings, present as the ambassador of orthopedics, open and available to primary care for same day consults