Physician Assistant (Arthroplasty)

Physician Assistant (Arthroplasty) - (3265563) GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT: Under the supervision and direction of the Orthopaedic Arthroplasty Service Physician Chief, Ortho APP Director, and Arthroplasty Administrative Manager, the Physician Assistant (PA) is responsible for the care of the high-volume arthroplasty patient population in the outpatient setting. Responsibilities include independent clinics, participation in surgeons’ high-volume clinics, optimization of patients prior to surgery, first assist in the OR, and coordination of care throughout the patient’s surgical journey (preop, postop, recovery/rehab and implant surveillance). The PA will collaborate with Arthroplasty APP colleagues to manage the various non-billable tasks of the service (Gateway messages, calls, FMLA forms). The PA will practice in accordance with the rules, regulations and standards issued by the state of MA and federal governing boards, including the American Academy of Physician Assistants (PAs) and the National Commission on Certification of PAs. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Provides direct care, counseling, and teaching to the Arthroplasty patient population. Functions independently in own clinic. Increases patient access to the service via independent clinics. Assists all Arthroplasty surgeons with the management of their patients and the organization/workflow of their high-volume clinics. Performs complete histories and physical examinations on new, established, preop, and postop patients. Orders, interprets, and evaluates appropriate laboratory and diagnostic tests. Develops appropriate plans of care and follow-up based on the outcomes of diagnostic, laboratory, and physical examination findings. Consults with supervising physician/other Arthroplasty surgeons regarding abnormal findings outside the PA’s of scope of practice. Prescribes medications and narcotics as necessary according to organizational and state/federal regulatory policies and procedures. Initiates consultations and referrals for patients. Obtains preoperative surgical consents; confirms laterality and abides by all hospital consent guidelines. Performs surgical optimization/education for patient and family, reinforcing the surgical plan presented by the attending physician. Orders necessary preoperative diagnostic and lab tests (MRSA/MSSA, A1c), imaging, consultations, and procedures as indicated or requested by the attending physician to medically optimize the patient for surgery to prevent delay/cancellation of cases. Performs medication reconciliation when optimizing patients; instructs patients regarding medications to take/hold prior to surgery. Performs all responsibilities of the first assist role in the OR with any Arthroplasty surgeon per the scheduling of the Administrative Manager, including the Ortho dept standard postop note. Manges add on urgent visits or assist support staff with walk in patients Provides symptom management for Arthroplasty patients; surgical and nonoperative. Manage a high volume of patient calls, Patient Gateway messages, emails and completes all outpatient clinical forms (FMLA, insurance disability, hardship letters). Obtains prior authorizations for surgery, scans, medications, DME and other procedures as necessary Consistently provides high quality and timely documentation of clinic visits (within 72 hours), admission and progress notes, procedure notes, and e-mail/phone conversations. Contributes to patient presentation in clinic, weekly indications conference, and multi-disciplinary meeting/conferences as necessary. Identifies patients appropriate for division research studies and obtains consents after completion of the institution’s research training (Insight). Practices cost effective medicine in an efficient manner, maximizing available resources. Discusses patient data with other physicians and professionals as appropriate in a multidisciplinary setting. Maintains communication with all inpatient staff (APPs, case management, OT/PT, consults) and all involved in the transition of patient care (skilled facility, VNA, PCP, referring physicians). Provides an environment for effective patient/family centric care. Demonstrates expert clinical judgment skills to function in an independent role. Performs additional duties and responsibilities specific to the department/arthroplasty division. Participates in departmental and organizational committees and programs as appropriate and attends all required meetings, in-services, and professional trainings. Maintains superior interpersonal and communication skills as a member of the healthcare team to collaborate effectively with patients, families, colleagues, staff, and community health workers. Remains actively involved in continuing education with a commitment to self and departmental growth. Adheres to all established safety policies, procedures, and precautions; identifies potential or actual unsafe situations in the environment and takes measures to rectify the situation. Demonstrates understanding of procedures, policies, and documentation required to ensure compliance with hospital standards of care. SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED: Must have the ability to work in a high stress, high patient volume, dynamic, outpatient setting within a changing organizational climate. Must be able to travel to satellite sites for first assist in the OR Must have the ability to be self-directive and to demonstrate initiative in addressing the responsibilities of the position. Must have the ability to utilize appropriate problem-solving and conflict resolution skills. Must excel in effective and positive communications with patients, families, staff nurses, case managers, surgeons, trainees, support staff, and many interdisciplinary providers. Must be energetic and quality driven and have a proven ability to be a productive member of a team dedicated to providing optimal patient care. Must be proficient with MGH computer systems as needed to independently perform daily tasks (Epic preferred). Holds self and colleagues accountable to learn, develop and achieve the best and highest quality results. Treats colleagues (all providers), medical assistants and administrative staff with respect. Must maintain the highest degree of professional clinical judgment under the collaborating supervising physician and Director of Orthopaedic APPs. WORKING CONDITIONS: Possible exposure to potentially infective material. Work may require contact with needles and other sharp instruments, electric-cautery devices, monitoring devices, and other state-of-the-art equipment. Prolonged standing can be expected. Walking to and from the patient care units can be expected. Hazards present from exposure to combustible anesthetic or disinfecting agents are minimized when safety precautions are strictly adhered. QUALIFICATIONS: · The appropriate candidate will have successfully completed a graduate level physician assistant program (Master’s degree) accredited by the Accreditation and Review Committee for Physician Assistants (ARC-PA) or such other accrediting agency as may qualify a graduate to sit for the NCCPA certifying examination. · Certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) must be obtained prior to first day of employment. · Must hold a current valid license or be eligible for licensure as a physician assistant in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. · Must have or eligible for, and maintain, a current DEA registration and Massachusetts Controlled Substance Registration. · Must complete 100 hours of CME according to national and state regulations during each two-year period of employment. · In addition, PAs must demonstrate continued competence by passing a re-certification exam every ten years. · Qualified in all basic and advanced cardiac life support standards (ACLS) as established by the American Heart Association. EEO Statement Massachusetts General Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. Applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged. Primary Location MA-Boston-MGH Main Campus Work Locations MGH Main Campus 55 Fruit Street Boston 02114 Job Physician Assistants Organization Massachusetts General Hospital(MGH) Schedule Full-time Standard Hours 40 Shift Day Job Employee Status Regular Recruiting Department MGH Orthopaedics Job Posting Nov 3, 2023