Physician Assistant

Position Title:  Physician Assistance (PA)

Reports To:     Medical Director

Classification: Salary; exempt

Attendance at HIPAA and compliance educational programs is a requirement of employment.

SUMMARY: 

Serves as a primary health care provider within the scope of practice or specialty; according to the requirements of the State Medical Board of Ohio, written protocol, and ability.  The PA will function as an integral member of a collaborative practice and will participate in the care of all patients under guidance of the collaborating physician. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Serves as a member of the Lifecare Family Health’s health care team that provides quality outpatient services to patients.
2. Coordinates patient services and institutes referrals to promote and maintain continuous comprehensive care at every level.
3. Serves as a representative of the physician, treating the patient in the style and manner developed and directed by the physician.
4. Incorporates preventive health care provisions aimed at improving and maintaining health status based upon individual, cultural, sociological, psychological, and environmental factors.
5. Provides precise information to enable the patient to make informed decisions regarding health care and related issues while insuring joint responsibility with the health care team members and staff to promote the best outcome possible for the patient.
6. Advises and counsels patients about normal maturational and developmental stages and natural life cycles.  Targets any problem areas, intervene, and participate in problem solving.
7. Assesses and intervenes in ordinary developmental and behavioral problems of individuals and their families.
8. Collects and constructs identifying information by reviewing past and present medical, social, and family histories, performing a physical examination, assembling a problem list, documenting, and consulting with Medical Director in changes or progression of chronic disease.
9. Performs routine physical examinations and preventive health measures including, but not limited to immunizations, developmental screening, routine laboratory screening/procedures appropriate to each gender and age group.
10. Diagnoses and treats common and uncomplicated health conditions.  Collaborates, consults, and refers any patient who have complicated or uncommon health problems to other physicians/specialists in the health center or the community.
11. Provides education about diagnosis to the patient and provide written follow-up guidelines.      Includes family members according to patient wishes.
12. Charts in the medical record/E.H.R. utilizing age appropriate wellness assessment tools or problem oriented medical record system, assuring accurate and timely completion of data entry into the patient medical record.
13. Provides support and counseling for patients with stable chronic disease in regard to physical, psychosocial, and environmental well-being.  Consults any patient with unstable chronic disease or patients with multiple comorbidities to a physician at the health center.
14. Provides contraceptive counseling to men and women who seek birth control, making available the desired birth control measures when possible or refer to agency where desired birth control measures may be obtained.
15. Prescribes drugs and devices incidental to the provision of routine health care, family planning, and perinatal care for essentially healthy patients in accordance with State of Ohio law.
16. Institutes emergency medical measures in life-threatening situations.  Provides first aid as needed.
17. Follows universal precautions.
18. Utilizes supplies in a cost-effective manner.
19. Performs clinic and outreach related tasks.
20. Utilizes on-going assessment skills.
21. Participates in Performance Improvement Program and Health Disparities Collaboratives.
22. Demonstrates effective communication skills.
23. Establishes and maintains professional working relationship with other members of the health care team.
24. Participates in planning and problem solving.
25. Participates in continuing education and professional growth.
26. Attends staff and provider meetings.
27. Maintains knowledge of, and complies with, personnel, nursing, medical, and clerical policies and procedures.
28. Assists with seasonal programs as needed.
29. Adheres to the standards and policies of the Organizational Privacy/Security and Compliance Programs, including the duty to comply with applicable laws and regulations (HIPAA, OSHA, OIG, guidelines, and other State and Federal laws).  This also includes reporting to the Board of Directors, Compliance Officer, Privacy Officer, supervisor or suggestion box, any suspected unethical, fraudulent, or unlawful acts or practices.
30. Travels when necessary to meet operational needs.
31. Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

1. Graduate of an Accredited Physician Assistant program with National Board Certification.
2. Current license to practice as a Physician Assistant in the State of Ohio.
3. DEA Number Certification.
4. 2 years of primary care outpatient experience preferred
5. BLS (basic life support)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1. Ability to work as a team member.
2. Ability to perform standard clinical procedures according to established protocol.
3. Knowledge of patient care charts and patient histories.
4. Knowledge of outpatient clinical administrative procedures.
5. Knowledge of related certification requirements.
6. Computer experience desirable.
7. Ability to work with a culturally diverse group of people.
8. Must be willing to work flexible hours as required by position.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

1. Successful candidate must be willing to submit to post offer pre-employment physical examination/medical history check if requested.
2. May be required to submit to TB and Rubella screening.
3. Lifecare Family Health will provide Hepatitis A/B vaccination; candidate may decline vaccinations in writing or provide record of previous vaccination.
4. A pre-employment background investigation will be required.
5. Become BLS Certified within ninety days of employment.