Physician Assistant - Orthopedics

Illinois Bone and Joint Institute LLC•Glenview, IL

1d•$115,000 - $140,000•Onsite

About The Position

IBJI is hiring a Physician Assistant to provide professional patient care and support physicians and clinical staff, primarily through direct patient care. The PA assists physicians in outpatient clinics, hospitals, and operating rooms, following physician-established protocols and written practice guidelines to support effective care and patient safety. The role works under the supervision of an assigned physician and may perform initial patient evaluation and treatment within the scope of Illinois standards and the Physician Assistant Practice Act. Responsibilities span hospital and surgical-center care, office-based care, patient assessment and treatment, surgical assistance, and medical-record documentation. The PA may round on hospitalized patients, assist with surgical procedures, coordinate pre- and postoperative care, see clinic patients, perform minor procedures, interpret imaging, and document orders and reports. The position involves travel to associated hospitals and facilities, irregular hours, exposure to bodily fluids and other clinical hazards, and physical activity including patient handling and lifting.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited physician assistant program with completed residency.
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.
Active NCCPA certification.
Active Illinois physician assistant licensure.
Current CPR certification.
At least two years of orthopedic surgery experience.
Experience assisting physicians in surgery.
Experience diagnosing and treating patients.
History of competence, sound judgment, stability, and professional integrity.
Knowledge of practice management and EHR software.
Working knowledge of managed care basics and experience with managed-care and Medicare populations.
Ability to make independent patient-care decisions and determine when consultation or referral is needed.
Strong organization, time-management, prioritization, and multitasking skills in a fast-paced environment.
Effective verbal and written communication and documentation skills.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work professionally with physicians, patients, and staff.
Ability to build and maintain constructive working relationships.
Ability to interpret and explain varied instructions, define problems, gather information, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to use logic and reasoning to evaluate alternative solutions and approaches.
Ability to stand or sit for extended periods and lift and assist patients as needed.
Ability to handle and lift patients, including transfers up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift or carry items up to 30 pounds.
Normal visual acuity and hearing.

Nice To Haves

Training in orthopedic care.
At least two years of experience in a physician office or hospital.
ACLS certification.

Responsibilities

Round on hospital patients and perform hospital consultations as directed.
Assist surgeons with major and minor operating-room procedures, including positioning, preparing, and draping patients.
Close surgical wounds, provide postoperative wound care, and apply dressings, casts, splints, braces, and related equipment.
Perform minor surgical procedures and assist with patient traction, adjustment, realignment, and removal of traction.
Coordinate patient care between the office and hospital, write pre- and postoperative orders, and report hospitalized patients’ condition and care to physicians.
Coordinate patient discharge, including prescriptions, instructions, summaries, and patient education.
Ensure operative reports are dictated within 48 hours after procedures.
Participate in assigned on-call activities and perform other duties within department and hospital guidelines and privileges.
See clinic patients independently and under supervision; dictate clinic progress notes and develop treatment plans with physician approval.
Dictate histories and physicals, consultations, and discharge summaries.
Perform joint aspirations and injections, administer therapeutic injections, and perform minor procedures as needed.
Interpret x-rays and review lab, x-ray, MRI, and CT results before patient examinations.
Apply casts, splints, and braces under physician supervision; remove staples, sutures, and drains.
Triage physician calls and discuss new findings, diagnoses, and treatment options with physicians.
Review preoperative instructions and explain surgical processes to patients.
Provide diagnosis and treatment services to established and postoperative patients; formulate and update care plans in consultation with physicians.
Prescribe medications and treatments in accordance with physician protocols, and maintain prescriptions and required notes in the medical record.
Order preoperative tests, CT scans, and MRIs, and document using EHR software.
Follow applicable ICD-10 and billing guidelines; return and document patient phone messages and actions taken.
Perform initial and ongoing clinical assessments, obtain histories, conduct physical examinations, and develop treatment plans.
Perform basic patient care services and authorized procedures, including wound assessment, dressing changes, suture removal, fracture reduction, suturing, joint injections, traction-pin placement, and reduction of dislocated prostheses.
Assist as first or second assistant in approved operating-room procedures and provide preoperative and postoperative education to patients and families.
Write treatment and diagnostic-test orders at the sponsoring or attending physician’s direction and co-signature, and dictate clinical reports.
Maintain a clean and safe work environment.