Interventional Physiatrist

Job Description

Job Description

Our organization is a prominent healthcare provider dedicated to serving Veterans within the VA Capitol Health Care Network. We operate as an innovative care facility under the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN 5), which encompasses medical centers and clinics across Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

We deliver healthcare services at six locations, catering to southwestern West Virginia, southeastern Ohio, and eastern Kentucky. Our facilities include the main medical center in Huntington, along with four community-based outpatient clinics located in Lenore, WV; South Charleston, WV; Gallipolis, OH; and Prestonsburg, KY. Additionally, we offer a Community Resource and Referral Center in Huntington, WV.

Job Summary:

The Physician specializing in Pain Management will provide care to Veterans within the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service at our Huntington facility. Care will be delivered through a mix of in-person consultations and virtual/telehealth appointments, both in outpatient and inpatient settings. The role involves collaboration within an interprofessional specialty care team that employs the Biopsychosocial Model of Pain Care and the VA Stepped Care Model of Pain Management.

Major Responsibilities: Clinical Duties:

• Conduct thorough medical and functional assessments for Veterans referred to the Pain Clinic, which includes taking medical history, performing physical examinations, and reviewing diagnostic tests.

• Accurately diagnose pain conditions and associated comorbidities (such as substance use disorders and mental health issues) and collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to create personalized treatment plans focused on functional recovery and self-management.

• Administer interventional pain management techniques, including fluoroscopy and ultrasound-guided procedures (e.g., epidural steroid injections, medial branch blocks, radiofrequency ablations, joint injections, spinal cord stimulator trials, intrathecal baclofen trials, and intrathecal pump refills).

• Provide consultative services for inpatient Veterans experiencing chronic pain during their hospital stay.

• Manage medications for chronic pain, emphasizing the reduction of polypharmacy, assessing opioid risks, and utilizing non-opioid analgesics and adjunct medications.

• Oversee opioid prescriptions and make necessary adjustments, including tapering, in accordance with current VA/DOD Long-term Opioid Therapy Clinical Practice Guidelines and local policies.

• Order, conduct, review, and interpret relevant laboratory tests, imaging, and other diagnostic studies to enhance the pain management plan. Follow up with Veterans regarding results in line with VHA standards to discuss care plans and any necessary adjustments.

• Collaborate clinically with nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other interdisciplinary team members.

• Ensure all electronic health record documentation is completed as per VHA standards, including timely and accurate entries related to pain management activities, therapeutic changes, recommendations, procedures, and patient check-out (such as diagnostic and procedure codes). Maintain compliance with national and local performance metrics, including timely health screenings and completion of clinical reminders for patients.

• Carry out additional clinical responsibilities as assigned.

Administrative Duties:

• Engage in program development initiatives, including data management, policy formulation, and documentation as directed by section and service leadership.

• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, pain committee sessions, and other relevant meetings (e.g., data-driven risk assessments) as required by section and service leadership.

• Contribute to intra- and interdepartmental committees, task forces, and projects as requested by section and service leadership.

Academic/Teaching/Training Responsibilities:

• Deliver educational sessions and lectures to medical staff focusing on pain management and related interventions.

Incentives and Benefits:

• Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: Authorized
• Compensation: Competitive salary, annual performance bonuses, and regular salary increases
• Paid Time Off: 50-55 days annually (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays, and potentially 5 days for CME)
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and a federal 401K with contributions up to 5% from the organization
• Insurance: Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance (many plans can be continued into retirement)
• Licensure: Must possess one full and unrestricted medical license from any U.S. state or territory
• CME: Possible reimbursement of up to $1,000 per year (must be full-time with board certification)
• Malpractice Coverage: Free liability protection with tail coverage included
• Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and minimal restrictions on moonlighting
• Performance Pay: Up to $15,000 annually
• Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Our commitment to Whole Health empowers individuals to take control of their health and well-being, enabling them to live life to the fullest. We prioritize the health and wellness of both Veterans and employees, fostering an environment that supports personalized and proactive care.