TITLE: Physician Assistant, Transitional Services (Per Diem)

REPORTS TO: Supervising Physician, Transitional Services

DEPARTMENT: Transitional Care Services

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The Physician Assistant employed in the Signature Healthcare Transitional Care Program works under the general direction of the supervising physician. Working independently within established protocols and policies exercising initiative and judgment in direct patient care, the Physician Assistant documents and reviews patient medical history, performs patient examination, assesses current status/condition. The Physician Assistant determines proper diagnosis, plans the treatment and education programs, including prescribing medication within licensed parameters. Seeks consultations and initiates referrals as necessary.

INDEPENDENT ACTION:

Functions in the role of a Physician Assistant according to established guidelines and scope of practice as outlined by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Physician Assistants. Functions independently within established Department policies. This role requires independent and interdependent decision-making and direct accountability for clinical judgment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBLITY:

May provide technical oversight of clerical and other clinical associates.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to meet the expectations relative to the purpose of the position and perform each primary responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, education, experience, and/or ability to perform this position successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary responsibilities.

EDUCATION:

Graduate of an approved Physician Assistant program; Bachelors Degree required, Masters Degree preferred. Must have current valid Massachusetts license for PA by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Physician Assistants. BLS required.

EXPOSURE CATEGORY:

It is reasonable to anticipate that the incumbent may have occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens in the course of his/her regularly scheduled activities as an associate of Signature Medical Group.

BASIC KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS/ APTITUDE AND EXPERIENCE:

One to three years related work experience required (Inpatient/ Primary Care practice preferred).

Excellent clinical and educational skills with demonstrated clinical, interpersonal, technical and strong organizational skills. Oral and written communication, analysis and problem solving. Must have prescriptive authority in Massachusetts. Current BLS certification required. Experience with computer systems EMR, Microsoft Office, Outlook, Word, Excel.

REASONING / COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization may exist. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Must be able to reasonably make appropriate judgment in communications and actions with patient, physicians, other associates, outside agencies, and vendors.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Performs routine physical examinations, documents medical history, provides developmental evaluations, and other screening tests and records findings in patient record.

· Manages patients with episodic illnesses within licensed parameters and established protocols.

· Collaborates with physicians to develop protocols for practice that define diagnostic judgments and appropriate treatment plans.

· Participates in review of quality of patient care through peer record review and proposes and/or initiates necessary improvements.

· Identifies available community resources and refers patients accordingly.

· Accountable for practice and professional development through continuing education and obtains appropriate number of annual CEUs necessary in maintaining certification.

· Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible, and courteous environment.

1. Commits to recognize and respect cultural diversity for all customers (internal and external).

2. Communicates effectively with internal and external customers with respect of differences in cultures, values, beliefs and ages, utilizing interpreters when needed.

Safety: To be successful at Signature Healthcare, employees of all levels must embrace and work within the principles of our core management system, which is based on Lean/Operational Excellence combined with our Culture of Safety. This culture has resulted in a sustained reduction in employee injuries and serious patient events and has led to the receipt of numerous safety and quality awards.

· You are expected to welcome and consider the opinions of all staff with the understanding that all team members are to be respected.

· You are expected to reduce power distance by encouraging open communication in all of your interactions with staff and patients.

· You are expected to support the Culture of Safety by treating everyone with respect, minimizing blame, and emphasizing problem solving.

· You are expected to participate in process improvement within your practice to help your team meet organizational goals

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES:

Employee will ensure that electronic medical records are completed in a timely manner and the information contained in the electronic medical record (“EMR”) is a complete and accurate recording of the relevant aspects of the patient encounter.

Employee will document the patient encounter in a note initiated in the EMR, including notes dictated and transcribed into the EMR.

Employee will attend pertinent Department meetings.

Employee will fulfill all other duties and obligations required by SMG.

SCHEDULE:

Per Diem