Orthopedic Physician Associate

Orthopedic Physician Associate

Under the general supervision of the collaborating Orthopedic surgeon(s), is responsible for performing diversified clinical duties in support of orthopedic practice in evidence based guidelines in the care and treatment of patients in a courteous, respectful, and caring manner.

Direct Patient Care:

Conducts physical diagnostic, medical history taking, and therapeutic procedures in a professional manner in accordance with established standards of care and practice in orthopedic medicine. This primary function is expected to be performed in the outpatient office setting, the OR, the Emergency Department, inpatient units, and all other approved Huggins Hospital locations.

Formulates, in collaboration with patient, an appropriate plan of care based on physical exam, patient history and clinical findings, consulting with physician(s) as necessary.

Contacts patients with follow up information on testing, in accordance with clinical practice, in tandem with Hospital policy and procedure.

Recognizes and reports relevant information that requires urgent attention, and ensures follow through

Writes or submits orders including diagnostic tests, referrals, and medication within the EMR in a timely manner.

Educates patients and their families about orthopedic conditions, treatment options and preventative care strategies such as diet and activity. Makes the appropriate referrals to services that aim at addressing treatment options.

Collaborates with the front office and clinical team to triage urgent needs and complete same day appointments.

Completes peer to peers for insurance companies required for diagnostic tests, surgeries, and or any other orders placed by orthopedic providers

Performs procedures such as but not limited to: digital blocks, regional anesthesia, and minor outpatient surgical procedures. These minor outpatient procedures may include but are not limited to: tendon repair, wound closure, wound management, wound debridement, incision and drainage, needle biopsy, k-wire removal and hardware removal.

Performs diagnostic and therapeutic procedures including but not limited to joint and bursa aspirations, closed reduction of fractures and dislocations, injections of joints, tendons, trigger points and bursa, as well as brace, cast and splint applications.

Assists in surgery to include but not limited to first assist, deep and superficial tissue closures, application of appliances and any other action delegated by the surgeon.

Conducts hospital rounds, and submit orders. Evaluate and clarify clinical conditions, formulate and implement a treatment or therapeutic plan for hospitalized patients, dictate discharge summaries, histories and physicals.

Participates equally per calendar year amongst the team to provide daily on-call coverage.

When on primary call acts as the primary point person for any orthopedic related inquiries. Will consult with the surgeon, ED provider, Anesthesia, consultants, nursing, and Hospitalist as needed. When on secondary call will be available to the on call primary Surgeon. May be needed to come onsite to assist in the management of the patient.

Participates in the facilitation/coordination of multidisciplinary resources needed for surgical and non-surgical orthopedic care.

Care Coordination:

Communicates with referring specialists and providers, serving as an ambassador for the orthopedic department service lines.

Works collaboratively and cooperatively with all members of the multi-disciplinary teams.

Makes medical diagnoses and intervene with appropriate treatment including referrals of patients to other healthcare facilities, agencies, resources of the community, or other physicians.

Coordinates treatment with patient and family members.

Promotes the orthopedic department and service lines by participating in community offerings, present as the ambassador of orthopedics, open and available to primary care for same day consults

Organizational Responsibilities:

Participates in hospital meetings and cooperates with providers and coworkers to achieve departmental objectives. Reports concerns and problems as they arise in a professional and respectful manner utilizing the chain of command structure.

Ensures confidentiality of employee, legal, client/patient, budget and all organizational matters.

Keeps knowledge base current by attending educational programs that advances competencies in the field of orthopedics.

Serves as ambassador for orthopedics; working in collaboration within the multidisciplinary team to help serve the patient in a timely manner.

Works as a member of the team to help build the practice.

Record Utilization:

Utilizes the current Electronic Medical Record to complete the documented Best Practice Workflows accurately.

Documents physical findings and patient response on appropriate worksheets and medical record.

Maintains accurate and detailed medical records, including patient histories, functional impairments, treatment plans and patient education in a timely manner.

Organizational Expectations:

Attendance: Attendance is an essential job function; employee comes to work daily, on time, and completes scheduled shift

HIPAA: facilitates to maintain patient confidentiality

Internal communication: contributes to positive team performance and a culture of service excellence through effective communication, active listening, and respect

Interpersonal relationships: maintains appropriate interpersonal relationships with staff, patients, and visitors at all times. Works as a team member with other departments.

Safety: Practices workplace safety daily

Employee Engagement:

Actively participates in all hospital Service Excellence initiatives and trainings

Attends and participates in a minimum of 50% department staff meetings and signs off on review of 100% department staff meeting minutes

Completes all required annual education on or before the due date

Knowledge Skills and Abilities: Individuals must possess these knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that they can perform the primary functions of the job, with or without a reasonable accommodation, using some combination of skills and abilities and possess the necessary physical requirements, with or without a reasonable accommodation, to safely perform the essential functions of the job.

Minimal physical effort required with occasional light lifting to a maximum of 25 pounds; stooping; and pick, pinch, type, or otherwise work primarily with fingers

Ability to effectively manage considerable mental stress

Ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word

Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication

Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and convey information in a clear, concise and accurate manner

Familiarity with computer and other business machines

Qualifications:

Education: Graduate of an accredited Advanced Practice Provider program.

Experience: Three years or more as an Advanced Practice Provider preferred. Orthopedic competency validation as evidenced through case volume; additional education, or partnership in an orthopedic practice required.

License and Certification: Licensed by the State of NH as an Advanced Practice Provider.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.