Physician Assistant, Sr.

The Critical Care Physician Assistant is a licensed physician assistant who possesses the advanced education, knowledge, clinical skills and experience necessary to provide expert advanced practice in critical care.  The primary responsibility of the Critical Care Physician Assistant (CCPA) is providing and directing care for patients in the adult ICUs at the UCSF Medical Center.  The CCPA is responsible for maintaining quality of care standards for all procedures and clinical care provided in the ICUs.  The CCPA provides self-direction and accountability in the development of this role within the medical center.

The CCPA shall provide medical care under the supervision of the Physician Director of Adult Critical Care Medicine and their individual collaborating physicians. The CCPA shall provide care in accordance with standardized procedures. The CCPA shall be proficient in the areas of arterial catheter insertion, central venous catheter insertion, ventilator management, sedation, and pain control.  The Medical Staff Office on a biannual basis grants privileges to practice at UCSF Medical Center.

The CCPA may rotate through all of the focused care ICUs at the medical center including: cardiothoracic, neurologic, neurosurgical, medical, general surgical, and transplant.  The CCPA shall work collaboratively with physician students, residents, fellows, and attending physicians. The CCPA will participate in the precepting of APP students and post graduate fellows. This position is scheduled for 12 hour rotating shifts from days to nights including holidays and weekends.
 

Function

% of time

Duties

Inpatient - Direct Patient Care (may include some or all of the responsibilities listed)

60

1. Independently (independent APP encounter) or collaboratively (shared physician and APP encounter) evaluates and manages patients.

2. Includes taking histories, performing physical examinations, responding to changes in patient status, performing consults, ordering or furnishing medications/diagnostic tests/treatments/therapies/consultations/referrals/durable medical equipment (DME)/home health services.

3. Care provided must be documented in the electronic medical record in accordance with the UCSF Rules and Regulations.

4. Provider services must be billed to reflect the performing provider and comply with the  APP Billing Policy 3.08.01.

5. APPs must respond to clinical documentation integrity inquiries from the Department of Quality and Patient Safety within 3 days.

1.2. Performs procedures granted to them via privileges/standardized procedures.

1.3. Identifies patients with acute decompensation or failure and responds to the hospital plan of care and reviews with physician.

1.4. Initiates consultations as indicated.

1.5. Documents independent assessment findings and recommends appropriate treatments.

1.6. Participates in service rounds and patient evaluation and treatment planning.  

1.7. Reviews lab tests, x-rays, and other diagnostic tests, and initiates appropriate team plans.

1.8. Evaluates complex cases, establishes individualized plans of care for disposition to a lower level of care.

1.9. Interprets and acts upon completed tests, procedures, and radiographic studies.

1.10. Completes clinically relevant paperwork/electronic health record (EHR) documentation, including but not limited to ordering medications, completing episodic care notes and discharge summaries in accordance with the UCSF Rules and Regulations.

1.11. Effectively communicates findings, treatment options, and care plans with patients and their families 

1.12. May first assist in the operating room if privileged to do so through OMAG after completing the required certification and proctoring.

1.13. Monitors and evaluates patients for discharge. Sets parameters and guidelines for continuum of care with multi-disciplinar