Physician Assistant

Community Action Corporation of South Texas•Falfurrias, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Physician Assistant (PA) is responsible for delivery of quality medical care to patients of the Health Center and functions as a member of the multi-disciplinary health care team within the scope of his or her PA practice. The PA provides medical services, but only as delegated by a supervising physician. This role involves maintaining medical expertise and competency, providing age-appropriate pediatric patient care, conducting medical visits, examining, diagnosing, and treating patients, prescribing pharmaceuticals, referring patients for specialty care, and maintaining health records. The PA also provides clinical oversight under the supervision of the Medical Director, participates in quality improvement projects, and implements medical team plans and protocols. Professional courtesy and performance of other assigned duties are also expected.

Requirements

Knowledge of advanced principles of health promotion and prevention
Knowledge of protocols in general and an ability to quickly gain specific knowledge of the Health Center’s current operational protocols
Knowledge of medical terminology and appropriate abbreviations
Knowledge of the Texas Medical Practice Act and Texas Medical Board regulations pertinent to Physician Assistants
Ability to document, with clarity, all information relevant to a patient’s needs
Ability to effectively present information in small group settings to patients, Health Center staff, and the general public
Ability to use office equipment including but not limited to computers, fax machines, telephones and copiers
Degree from an accredited Physician Assistant Program
Current unrestricted license from the Texas Physician Assistant Board to practice as a Physician Assistant in the State of Texas
Annual continuing medical education as required by the Texas Physician Assistant Board
Must be registered and have current DEA, DPS, and other certificates to legally operate as a practitioner in the State of Texas
One (1) year of practice experience providing direct patient care
Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for Healthcare Professionals Certification

Responsibilities

Provides medical services, but only as delegated by a supervising physician.
Maintains medical expertise and competency (to include age specific competency) as well as demonstrates thorough knowledge of procedures to deliver quality primary medical care.
Provides age-appropriate pediatric patient care, incorporating physical wellness exams according to the established Texas Health Steps Periodicity Schedule and provides appropriate care for pediatric illnesses and conditions.
Provides medical visits, as scheduled, in direct patient care at clinic site, including extended hours clinics.
Provides a minimum of three thousand two hundred (3,200) medical encounters for the contract year and provides services equaling to at least forty (40) hours per week in the clinic.
Examines, diagnoses, and treats patients, on an out-patient basis (as per individual employment contract); prescribes pharmaceuticals, other medications, and treatment regimens as appropriate for assessed medical conditions.
Refers patients for appropriate specialty care services, lab and x-ray and any other ancillary services that are appropriate for patient’s disease management and care. Reviews all lab and x-ray reports for patients under his/her care in a timely manner as per established Health Center policy and makes medical management decisions appropriately. Follows appropriate standards of care for each patient.
Provides continuity of care to Health Center patients as assigned.
Maintains a health record for each patient and completes patient visit documentation in a timely manner in accordance with the Health Center established Health Record Completion Policy.
Leads the health care team in identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing patient and family needs to develop a plan of care.
Educates patients and caregivers regarding preventative care, diagnosis, and treatment plans and provides relevant resources as necessary.
Participates in health promotion, education and/or prevention programs as needed.
Attends and participates in clinic meetings/departmental meetings and other clinic functions as required by the Health Center.
Provides Basic Life Support services as indicated for emergency situations in the Health Center.
Provides clinical oversight under the supervision of the Medical Director.
Assumes accountability for delegating, directing, and supervising patient care activities. Trains, mentors and supervises students and support staff engaged in activities and procedures, as appropriate.
Participates in quality improvement projects and activities directed for continuous quality improvement and risk management purposes.
Participates in the review and development of patient care policies, protocols, including health maintenance schedules, and standing orders.
Implements the plans, procedures and protocols for the medical team.
Serves as a resource and positive, proactive leader for the department.
Maintains competency with current health care trends, standards of care, and clinical research that impacts medical practice.
Maintains professional courtesy at all times.
Performs all other duties as assigned.