Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant- Rheumatology - Clinical Care & Triage

Nurse Practitioner Or Physician Assistant- Rheumatology - Clinical Care & Triage

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The Rheumatology Advanced Practice Provider (APP) serves as a key member of the multidisciplinary rheumatology team, working in close collaboration with physicians to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care. This role combines direct clinical management of patients with strategic oversight of new patient access through a triage system. Approximately 70% of time will be dedicated to direct patient care, while 30% will be focused on triaging and coordinating new patient referrals to ensure timely access for patients with rheumatic diseases.

This position is uniquely designed to expand access to rheumatology care while delivering exceptional clinical care. By combining direct patient management with oversight of new patient referrals, the APP serves as a critical bridge between referring providers, patients, and the rheumatology team, ensuring that patients receive the right care at the right time.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Provide comprehensive evaluation and management of patients with rheumatic and autoimmune diseases in collaboration with a supervising physician.
• Obtain detailed histories, perform physical examinations, and develop assessment and treatment plans.
• Order, interpret, and communicate laboratory, imaging, and diagnostic test results.
• Initiate, monitor, and adjust treatment plans, including disease-modifying therapies and biologic medications, according to established protocols and physician collaboration.
• Provide patient education regarding diagnosis, treatment options, medication safety, disease management, and preventive care.
• Coordinate care with primary care providers and other specialists to ensure comprehensive management.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and clinical practice development.

New Patient Access and Referral Management (Approximately 30%)

• Review and triage incoming rheumatology referrals to determine clinical urgency and appropriate level of care.
• Identify patients requiring expedited evaluation and collaborate with the access team to prioritize complex or urgent referrals.
• Follow referral triage protocols to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Coordinate with referring providers to obtain additional clinical information when needed.
• Work closely with scheduling teams to ensure timely appointment placement and optimal provider utilization.
• Monitor referral metrics and contribute to initiatives aimed at reducing wait times and improving patient access.
• Serve as a clinical resource for referral questions from internal and external providers.

Responsibilities:

• Provides direct clinical care for patient population according to established protocols and utilizes evidence based practice standards in collaboration with team.
• Maintains accurate and confidential medical records. Documents all medical evaluations, diagnoses, procedures, treatments, outcomes, education, referrals, and consultations consistent with organizational standards in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Identifies self properly to the patient and family, and clarifies the role of the nurse practitioner if necessary.
• The nurse practitioner should function within their scope and refer to the collaborating physician when outside of scope, and/or directed by the collaborating physician or when requested by the patient and/or family.
• Performs interventions specific to assigned patient population and collaborative agreement.
• Participates in the performance improvement processes to meet quality of care and service standards.
• Demonstrates awareness of professional responsibility as role model to peers and members of the health care team.
• Perform approved therapeutic or diagnostic procedures based upon patient's clinical status.
• Addresses patient and family concerns and creates a therapeutic relationship to provide support.
• Provide patient education, counseling and instruction regarding patient diagnosis, medical treatments, medications, and preventative care.
• Participate in and support accreditation, compliance and regulatory activities of the organization.
• Precept NP students and other health care learners.
• Identifies patient/family needs for community resources and refers appropriately.

Credentials:

• BLS/CPR, as a healthcare provider as per the American Heart Association (For providers in the ambulatory setting) required
• PA and/or NJ CRNP licensure (CRNP) required.
• PA and/or NJ Prescriptive Authority required.
• PA and/or NJ RN licensure (RN) required.

Education or Equivalent Experience:

• Master of Arts or Science (Required)
• Education Specialization: Master's Degree or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nursing Equivalent Experience: The CRNP must be reviewed by the Credentials Committee and approved by the Medical Board.

We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives. Live Your Life's Work

We are an Equal Opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.