The Physician Assistant provides quality, comprehensive primary health care services to the Center's Rheumatology patients consulting with supervising physician and abiding by appropriate clinical protocols. The Physician Assistant reports to the Director of Specialty Care regarding administrative, provider relations and other day to day guidance.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Examines, diagnoses, treats and/or refers Rheumatology patients assigned to physician's panel, on an out-patient basis. Prescribes pharmaceuticals, other medications, and treatment regimens as appropriate to assessed medical conditions consulting with supervising physician.

2. Train clinical support staff in proper documentation of Rheumatology and gives direction to staff members daily. Review at the end of the workday of completion status for the assigned tasks.

3. Maintains electronic health records (EHR) for each patient seen in accordance with the Center's established Health Information Management policies and procedures providing appropriate, legible documentation. Completes thorough documentation of each patient's visit in the electronic health record and ensures encounters are closed within 24 hours in accordance with the Center's established Health Information Management policies and procedures.

4. Assures continuity of care by providing medical services on a timely basis as per Clinic schedule within the Center's scope of practice and the Physician Assistant's training.

5. Refers clients for appropriate specialty care services, lab and imaging studies and any other ancillary services that are appropriate for patient's management and care consulting with supervising physician as needed.

6. Reviews all lab and imaging reports for patients under his/her care on a timely basis and makes medical management decisions appropriately with supervising physician as needed.

7. Maintains appropriate productivity standards of specialty as established by the Center. Maintains appropriate and efficient patient flow and minimize schedule changes and absences.

8. Provides excellent internal/external customer service via telephone, email, fax or face-to-face contact to assist patients with their health care needs.

9. Follows established departmental and clinic policies, procedures, and objectives. Contributes to continuous quality improvements objectives and safety, environmental, and/or infection control standards.

10. Participates in specified 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 Director of Specialty Care.

11. Performs other related duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Master's Degree from an accredited university in a Physician Assistant Program

Board certified NCCPA or related

Previous experience as a Physician Assistant specializing in Rheumatology or similar specialty

Must have current unrestricted license to practice as a Physician Assistant from the Texas Medical Board

Annual continuing medical education as required by board specialty

Must be registered and have current DEA

Bilingual in English and Spanish highly preferred

Certified in Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association required

Scheduled hours and/or work locations are subject to change

REQUIRED PHYSICAL AND MENTAL ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS:

Finger Dexterity: Using fingers to make small movements such as typing or picking up small objects. Normal fine and gross motor control of fingers and hands.

Talking: Frequently conveying detailed or important instructions or ideas accurately, clearly, or quickly.

Hearing: Able to hear average or normal conversations and receive ordinary information; hear whispered voice at five (5) feet.

Repetitive Motions: Frequently and regularly using the wrists, hands, and fingers.

Visual: Visual acuity necessary for the proper evaluation of a patient and to prepare or inspect documents or other materials. Ability to accurately view computer monitors

Physical: Sitting 20-30% of time and standing, walking 70-80% of time. Lift up to 25 lbs; push and pull up to 45 lbs. Able to bend at the waist, twist and turn along axial plane.