Job Description

Job Purpose

The Physician Assistant is directly responsible to the Chief Medical Officer and accountable for any and all patient care activities he/she performs as an employee of Georgia Highlands Medical Services, Inc.

The Physician Assistant functions as governed by the “Basic Job Description” approved by the Composite State Board of Medical Examiners. All clinical functions shall adhere to that document which shall be considered an integral part of the Physician Assistant position description. Additionally, the PA will participate in the planning and development of programs, staff and patient/community health education. The Physician Assistant may refer patients to specialists when needed for further diagnosis or treatment. As a lead member of the Care Team, the PA is expected to be familiar with the philosophy, goals and objectives of Georgia Highlands and work collaboratively to achieve them. They must be cognizant of, and comply with, all GHMS policies and procedures, as well as pertinent state and federal regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Acts as lead for Patient Care Team.
• The Physician Assistant is under direct supervision by a Staff Physician.
• Assesses the health status of individuals and families through history taking, physical examination and diagnosis of health development problems.
• Makes interventions to maintain, restore, or improve the health of individuals and families by the use of protocols, that is, as agreed and collaborated by the Chief Medical Officer and the Physician Assistant.
• Records findings and management plan in a systematic form to facilitate professional use of data in providing quality care in evaluating care through audit.
• Promotes independent positive health behaviors by involving the individual in their plan of care.
• Provides continuity of health care by working in collaboration with Chief Medical Officer and other health professionals in rendering comprehensive services through the development of a referral mechanism.
• Assists in the health care management of clients at off-site locations as agreed upon by the Chief Medical Officer and the Physician Assistant. This may include, but is not limited to, care at the local nursing homes, health departments in the community served by the organization, and various local agencies.
• Provides community outreach activities by educational and/or screening sessions in the community as agreed upon by the Chief Medical Officer and the Physician Assistant.
• In the absence of the Chief Medical Officer, the Physician Assistant may continue to provide onsite primary care services as mutually determined by the Chief Medical Officer and the Physician Assistant.
• Develops patient educational programs that will aid in the patient’s self-care of his/her health problem(s).
• Provides educational support to staff, so they may aid in the education of patients with health and development problems.
• Provides non-hospital “on call” phone consultation for patients after clinic hours for Chief Medical Officer.
• Complies with GHMS Infection Control plan which includes personally utilizing universal precautions. Ensures compliance by support staff.
• Participates in peer review, quality assurance, provider meetings, and other clinical meetings.
• Participates on Patient-Centered Medical Home team activities and all other quality initiatives.
• Assists in updating protocols and principles of the practice as requested.
• Assists in the education of Physician Assistant students, Physician Assistants, Medical Residents and medical students.
• The PA adheres to all GHMS Clinical Policies and Procedures that are reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors, i.e. locking charts; evidence based standards, etc. and complies with Practice Standards and Practice Certification requirements (PCMH, etc.)
• Adheres to productivity standards and meets at least the minimum requirements.
• The PA practices medicine to the full extent that his/her training permits.
• The Physician Assistant follows Corporate, Ethical, and HIPAA policies and procedures to ensure the confidentiality of all patient information.

Qualifications

Education / Experience

• Master’s Degree as a Physician Assistant and completion of an accredited Physician Assistant program.
• Three years’ experience preferred.

Licensure / Certifications / Desired Credentials

• Current State of Georgia License
• Current certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistant

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Reads, speaks, understands and writes proficiently in English.
• Effectively communicates orally and in writing.
• The ability to relate to persons in need in a humane and person-oriented manner. Specifically: sincerity, sensitivity, honesty and authenticity.
• Must possess knowledge of the current developments in primary care medicine; have a firm grasp of the principles and practices of modern medicine; and have demonstrated skills in the area of diagnosis and treatment of human diseases.
• Independent and self-directed.
• Represents the organization in a professional and effective manner to employees and the community.
• Demonstrates excellent critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrates excellent judgement and decision-making skills.
• Influences change without direct authority.
• Supports, motivates and sustains a team-oriented culture.
• Works with initiative, energy and effectiveness in a fast-paced environment.
• Remains calm and effective in high-pressure and emergency situations.
• Produces work in high-quantity and quality.
• Problem-solves with creativity and ingenuity.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications: Word, Excel, Outlook; as well as prior experience with an Electronic Health Record (eClinical Works is a plus).

Working Conditions

Medical office environment. Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, and other conditions common to a medical clinic environment.

Infectious Disease Exposure Level: 1

Physical Requirements

Medical office environment. Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, and other conditions common to a medical clinic environment.

Requires full-range of motions including handling and lifting patients, manual and finger dexterity, and eye-hand coordination. Often requires standing and walking for prolonged periods of time. Occasionally lifts and carries items weighting up to 50 pounds. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range. Requires working under occasional stressful conditions, and working flexible hours. Requires exposure to communicable diseases or bodily fluids.

Job Relationships

Supervised by: Chief Medical Officer, Staff Physician

Direct Reports: None

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