Physician Assistant, Ortho Access, Sports Med and North Liberty Campus

UIOWA•Iowa City, IA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Iowa Health Care is hiring an Orthopedic Access Advanced Practice Provider for its North Liberty Campus. The campus houses the health system’s Orthopedics service line and provides outpatient, inpatient, and surgical care, along with imaging, laboratory, physical therapy, pharmacy, emergency, and support services. The APP will independently evaluate and manage a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions, with collaborative support from orthopedic subspecialty teams. The Orthopedic Access Clinic aims to improve timely access to orthopedic care. The APP will manage non-surgical cases and coordinate referrals to the appropriate surgical team when surgery is indicated. The role may include in-office procedures such as joint injections, based on the APP’s experience and clinical assessment. The role may also include cross-coverage in the Orthopedic Injury Walk-In Clinic, where the APP evaluates musculoskeletal injuries and pain occurring within the previous seven days. This work may involve splinting and casting, for which training is provided. The position requires an organized, motivated, and efficient individual. The schedule includes an evening shift every Thursday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and every other Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Orthopedic Access Clinic is located on Prairie Meadows Drive; the walk-in clinic is at the Main Campus North Liberty Hospital.

Requirements

Meet Iowa Board of Physician Assistant Examiners registration and licensure requirements, including graduation from an accredited PA educational program and/or certification by the NCCPA.
At least 2 years of patient care experience, which may be obtained through clinical rotations or clinical practice.
At least 2 years of demonstrated experience and/or knowledge in orthopedic patient care.
Experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Timely and prompt documentation.

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree is highly desired.
Experience in an orthopedic outpatient clinic is highly desired.
Relevant orthopedic experience in an emergency department or urgent care setting is considered.

Responsibilities

Evaluate and manage a variety of orthopedic conditions in the Orthopedic Access Clinic.
Order diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and prescribe, dispense, or deliver medications under a collaborative practice agreement.
Follow up with patients regarding diagnostic tests and laboratory results.
Provide longitudinal follow-up when surgical or subspecialty consultation is not needed or desired.
Consult and collaborate with other care team members and orthopedic subspecialty teams to facilitate care.
Apply clinical judgment to the patient’s overall clinical picture and influence adoption of best practices.
Complete patient medical records, reports, and forms for treatment documentation and billing.
Improve quality of care through chart reviews and participation on performance improvement committees.
Escalate care appropriately when surgical conditions are identified and coordinate referrals to the appropriate surgical team.
Triage, evaluate, and manage orthopedic injuries, including acute back pain, sprains and strains, tendon and ligament injuries, suspected fractures, and joint pain in the Orthopedic Injury Walk-In Clinic.
Order appropriate imaging, including X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, when indicated.
Provide initial injury management using durable medical equipment such as wrist splints, slings, and boots, and perform splinting or casting when needed.
Educate patients about their injuries and facilitate follow-up care with orthopedic subspecialty surgeons and providers as needed.
Coordinate with Main Campus North Liberty Hospital Emergency Room staff to transfer patients when emergency care is more appropriate.