Physician - Rheumatologist

Community Health Centers of America•Merced, CA

17h•$300,000 - $375,000•Onsite

About The Position

Community Health Centers of America is hiring a Rheumatologist to work in family practice clinics in the Merced, California area, with possible work at contracted long-term care facilities. The physician diagnoses and treats diseases affecting the joints, muscles, and bones, including arthritis and autoimmune disorders, independently or as part of a healthcare team. The role is based in a clinic setting and involves clinical care, coordination with other providers, documentation, quality improvement, and administrative responsibilities. Clinical responsibilities include evaluating patient histories, symptoms, physical findings, and diagnostic information; diagnosing and managing rheumatic diseases; recommending interventions; prescribing and administering treatment; monitoring progress and medication needs; identifying adverse drug reactions; educating patients and families; ordering, performing, or interpreting relevant tests; conducting in-office procedures such as joint injections; and providing follow-up care. The Rheumatologist also collaborates with primary care and specialty providers and provides consultative support to providers in clinics and affiliated facilities. Administrative duties include maintaining timely and accurate electronic medical records, participating in quality improvement initiatives and clinical team meetings, supporting clinical protocols and patient education materials, and participating in teaching or case conferences when applicable. The role may include supervising or coordinating patient care or support staff. The physician must maintain knowledge of applicable regulations and payer systems, follow safety procedures, comply with corporate policies, facility rules, OSHA procedures, and HIPAA, respect cultural and religious practices of minor patients, and be punctual for assigned or confirmed shifts. The employer describes a collaborative, supportive, respectful, and productive environment, with administrative freedom and appropriate support staff. Work is in person. The schedule is generally day shift, Monday through Friday, with no regular evenings or weekends; the posting also mentions night/weekend call coverage. Benefits listed include competitive salary, 401(k), CME allowance, and other benefits.

Requirements

MD or DO from an accredited medical school and completion of a residency program.
Completion of an accredited rheumatology fellowship.
Board certified or board eligible in Rheumatology.
Active medical license or eligibility to obtain licensure in California; California MD/DO license is required.
3–5 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Current BLS/ACLS certification.
Current DEA registration.
In-depth knowledge of legal medical guidelines and medical best practices.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Active listening and active learning skills.
Flexibility to work with people of varied ages, personalities, and backgrounds.
Time-management skills to see a high number of patients.
Interpersonal skills, compassion, and empathy to build positive relationships with patients and colleagues.
Critical thinking, social perceptiveness, and complex problem-solving skills.
Respect for patient confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a multi-specialty or FQHC setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

Obtain, analyze, and interpret patient histories, symptoms, physical findings, and diagnostic information to develop diagnoses.
Diagnose and manage rheumatic diseases, including arthritis, lupus, gout, and other autoimmune disorders.
Recommend diagnostic or therapeutic interventions.
Prescribe and administer treatments, monitor patient progress, and adjust medications as needed.
Detect and respond to adverse drug reactions.
Educate patients and families about illness self-management, medical treatments, and medications.
Order, perform, or interpret rheumatology-related diagnostic testing, including laboratory results and imaging scans.
Conduct in-office procedures, such as joint injections.
Perform follow-up visits to monitor patients and evaluate health or illness care.
Collaborate with primary care and specialty providers to ensure continuity and coordination of care.
Provide consultative support to providers in the clinic and affiliated facilities.
Maintain complete, accurate, and timely documentation in the electronic medical record.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives and clinical team meetings.
Support development of clinical protocols and patient education materials.
Participate in teaching opportunities or case conferences, if applicable.
Supervise or coordinate patient care or support staff activities.
Maintain current knowledge of state legal regulations for practice, regulatory processes, and payer systems.
Follow safe and healthy control methods while working with patients and comply with corporate policies and procedures.
Follow facility and OSHA safety rules and procedures while on assignment.
Follow facility and GHR Unusual Occurrence Protocol.
Respect cultural and religious practices of minor patients and uphold HIPAA regulations.
Be punctual and dependable for assigned or confirmed shifts.