Physicians Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

The Palliative Physician Assistant (PA) provides palliative medical services under physician supervision to patients served by Buckeye Hospice & Palliative Care. The Palliative Physician Assistant provides palliative services including, but not limited to:

• Complementing attending physician care;

• Acting as a medical resource person to the interdisciplinary group (IDG);

• Evaluating Palliative Program eligibility as assigned, in consultation with the hospice interdisciplinary team; and

• Assuring that the patient receives appropriate measures to control uncomfortable symptoms.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborating with the IDG to ensure that the needs of the patient are met.

• Supporting clinical and administrative staff in providing compassionate quality care.

• Ensuring that the patient meets the medical criteria for palliative admission based upon available diagnostic and prognostic indicators, related diagnosis(es) if any, current subjective and objective medical findings, current medication and treatment orders, and information about the medical management of any of the patient’s conditions unrelated to the terminal illness.

• Reviewing clinical information, coordinating, and overseeing patient care in consultation with the palliative interdisciplinary team and other healthcare practitioners in the facility.

• Ensuring the provision of direct medical services to patients, either directly or through arrangements as appropriate, in the absence of the patient’s attending physician.

• Coordinating care with the patient’s facility of choice, including referral to hospice care when appropriate.

• Attending palliative conferences, as needed.

• Participating in plan of care development and managing oversight of medications and treatment.

• Documenting care provided in the patient’s clinical record, providing evidence of progression of the end-stage disease process.

• Maintaining current knowledge of the latest research and trends in hospice care and pain/symptom management.

• Working in a team approach with the IDG.

• Participating in performance improvement programs, as indicated.

• Reviewing and developing protocols for treatment and proposing the most current options for interventions.

• Demonstrating knowledge in communication and counseling of patient/family in dealing with end-of-life issues.

• Participating in resolution of interpersonal conflict and issues of clinical and ethical concern.

JOB CONDITIONS

This position requires meeting deadlines and timelines required by governing and regulatory organizations. It requires minimal lifting of office records and printouts. Sitting, standing, stooping, and walking, as well as telephone communication, are required. Face-to-face visits may entail moderate physical exertion and car travel. Travel may be required, by car or airplane, to local, out-of-town, or state seminars, conferences, or meetings. Hearing, eyesight, and physical dexterity must be sufficient to perform a physical assessment of the patient’s condition and to perform and demonstrate patient care. This position requires adherence to regulations, standards, and conditions of participation required by Medicare, accrediting bodies, and federal and state statutes governing the provision of services.

EQUIPMENT OPERATION

Utilization of a computer, multi-line telephone, copy machine, and other office and basic medical equipment.

COMPANY INFORMATION

Has access to assigned patient medical records.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have completed an accredited Physician Assistant Program.

• Current Physician Assistant licensure/certification in State, including National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) certification.

• Has experience with end-of-life care.

• Maintains controlled substances registration with state and federal authorities, if applicable.

• Must have the ability to demonstrate self-confidence and a positive attitude toward self and others, and maintain commitment and enthusiasm to goal achievement.

• Not excluded from the Medicare program.

• The ability to communicate well, both verbally and in writing.