Orthopedic Physician Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the Chief Physician Assistant, attending physician and Operations manager, the Physician Assistant is responsible for providing varied medical services, which may include: Initial and follow-up evaluation of orthopedic related issues including formulating a diagnosis and treatment plan, ordering and interpreting laboratory tests and imaging studies; prescribing and/or dispensing medication; assisting in surgery or other invasive procedures; rounding on admitted patients; counseling patients and families, performing pre-operative and other patient care duties. May be involved with a patient's medical care in any role which the attending physician deems proper and consistent with applicable law, hospital regulations, delineation of privileges, and the Physician Assistant's training, knowledge, skill, and experience.

Position: Orthopedic Physician Assistant

Department: Orthopedic Clinic

Schedule: Full Time

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform comprehensive and problem-focused history and physical exams, interpret and correlate laboratory and diagnostic procedures. Interpret and correlate subjective and objective data to formulate a differential diagnosis and establish a working diagnosis.

• Formulate a treatment plan for orthopedic problems within the scope of practice. Implement therapeutic intervention for specific conditions when appropriate.

• Exercise judgment on problems requiring consultation, referral, or evaluation by the supervising Orthopedic surgeon or other health care professionals

• Order, collect and perform appropriate laboratory or diagnostic procedures, and studies including but not limited to blood and tissue specimens. Ordering or performing diagnostic studies such as but not limited to EMG, electrocardiogram, compartment pressure measurements, and x-ray examinations including special x-ray examinations CT, MRI, and bone scans, etc.

• Perform 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

• Presents and discusses the findings of the initial evaluation with the Attending Physician to determine the treatment plan. Documents the treatment plan and writes appropriate orders.

• Oversees the entire clinical experience to assure that there is coordination and consolidation of patient care plans and execution of those plans to tie the service together. Facilitates communication with other departments to ensure the delivery of excellent cost-effective and efficient patient care. 

• Under the countersignature of the attending physician, is responsible for producing preoperative and postoperative orders, as authorized applicable law and department protocol.

• Writes orders on patients admitted to the hospital including medication, labs, diagnostic and therapeutic tests, and nursing activities. May be authorized to write appropriate prescription orders, including those for narcotics, stimulants, and depressant drugs, investigational medications, and pre and postoperative orders as necessary.

• Makes rounds to evaluate patients and writes progress reports.

• Consults with surgeons regarding the care of patients for more complex diagnoses.

• Educates patients and/or families about preventive care, medical issues, and use of prescribed medical treatments, injections, procedures, and/or medications.

• Records and maintains legible, accurate, and confidential patient medical records including initial evaluation, subsequent follow-up, unusual incidents or problems, and patient progress to provide complete and up-to-date information for ongoing reference and evaluation.

• Provides pre-operative services including Pre-op H&P and SAFE protocol clearances.

• Participates in hospital-level activities representing the department.

• Facilitates transitions of care from inpatient to an outpatient setting, including the performance of medication reconciliation, arrangement of appropriate and timely follow-up, and completion of an accurate and concise discharge summary.

• Facilitates direct admission process as needed.

• Provides faculty support by monitoring all incoming patient requests including phone calls, MyChart messages, and any patient care-related paperwork.

• Assist 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. Conduct hospital, rounds, write orders, and take calls for the orthopedic surgeon.