Physician Assistant: Outpatient Orthopedics

Job Description

Performs a variety of functions and technical procedures necessary for patient admission, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and outcome evaluation. Participates in performance improvement, research, and educational activities.

Key Responsibilities
 

Patient Assessment & Diagnosis

• Conduct comprehensive medical histories and physical examinations for new and established orthopedic patients.

• Order, review, and interpret diagnostic tests, including X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and laboratory studies.

• Formulate differential diagnoses and develop appropriate treatment plans.

  
   

Treatment Planning & Implementation

• Provide non-surgical management for a variety of orthopedic conditions, including sprains, strains, fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis.

• Administer therapeutic injections (e.g., joint injections, trigger point injections, and viscosupplementation) safely and effectively.

• Apply and remove casts, splints, braces, and other durable medical equipment (DME).

• Perform wound care for minor lacerations and post-operative sites.

• Prescribe medications, including pain management and anti-inflammatory therapies, in accordance with state regulations and practice protocols.

• Order and coordinate referrals for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other specialty services.
   

Pre- & Post-Operative Care

• Conduct pre-operative evaluations and provide patient education regarding surgical procedures.

• Manage post-operative care, including wound assessments, suture and staple removal, and rehabilitation guidance.
   

Patient Education & Counseling

• Educate patients and their families on orthopedic conditions, treatment options, preventive care, and rehabilitation exercises.

• Provide clear, concise instructions regarding medication use, activity restrictions, and follow-up care.

Documentation & Communication

• Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough electronic health record (EHR) documentation for all patient encounters.

• Communicate effectively with supervising physicians, healthcare providers, and administrative staff to ensure coordinated patient care.

• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and quality improvement initiatives.
   

Clinic Operations

• Support efficient clinic flow and patient scheduling.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable healthcare regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Assist with minor in-office procedures as needed.

Job Description

Performs a variety of functions and technical procedures necessary for patient admission, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and outcome evaluation. Participates in performance improvement, research, and educational activities.

Job Responsibility

• Takes initial patient histories and performs physical examinations.
• Initiates, documents, and communicates the plan of care and follows up to ensure complete screening and preparation of patients.
• Performs daily patient rounds.
• Writes orders for medications, laboratory work, and diagnostic tests.
• Interprets laboratory and test results.
• Confers with attending physicians, residents, nursing staff, and/or other care providers to ensure optimum quality of patient care.
• Upon discharge, notes discharge summaries, prescriptions, and any referrals on patient charts.
• Informs patients of the necessary post-discharge care instructions.
• Performs related duties as required. All responsibilities noted here are considered essential functions of the job under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Duties not mentioned here, but considered related are not essential functions.

Job Qualification

• Bachelor’s Degree, required. Graduate of an accredited (Accreditation Review Committee for Physician Assistant Programs ARC-PA) program, required.
• Current license to practice as a Physician Assistant (PA) by the New York State Department of Education, required.
• Current NCCPA Certification from the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), required.
• Current BLS certification, required.

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