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
- 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 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.
- 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.
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 Assistant Board.
- Must be registered and have current DEA, DPS, and other certificates to legally operate as a practitioner in the State of Texas.
- One (1) year of practice experience providing direct patient care.
- Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for Healthcare Professionals Certification.
Physical Requirements
If a preliminary offer of employment is extended, a physical will be required before the offer can be accepted.
Required / Preferred
- The employee must be able to lift and/or move more than 50 pounds.
- Requires full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients, manual and finger dexterity, and eye/hand coordination.
- Requires sitting, standing, and walking for extensive periods of time.
- Requires working under stressful conditions or working irregular hours.
- Requires frequent exposure to communicable diseases, body fluids, toxic substances, medicinal preparations and other conditions common to a clinic environment.
- Frequently required to reach with hands and arms.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Ability to work with a moderate noise level in the work environment is required.