Physician (Geriatrics & Extended Care) Harlingen, TX (Veterans Affairs)

Job Description

Job Description

The Physician plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality of care delivered by the program, enhancing productivity, and spearheading initiatives that align with the mission of our organization.
Key responsibilities encompass gathering patient histories, conducting physical examinations, establishing working diagnoses, and creating as well as executing treatment plans that adhere to clinical guidelines while considering the patient's goals and preferences. Additional tasks include determining the appropriate disposition for patients to various facilities such as emergency departments, hospitals, assisted living facilities, community nursing homes, home health services, home-based primary care, and hospice care. Routine responsibilities also involve ordering laboratory tests, x-rays, EKGs, and other diagnostic procedures, as well as initiating and expediting requests for medical or surgical specialty consultations. Furthermore, the Physician is tasked with educating and counseling patients and their families on preventive care, medical conditions, and the correct usage of medications.
The Staff Physician may work in collaboration with other healthcare providers and specialists, both within and outside the VA system, to manage or co-manage patient health. Select mental health, medical, and surgical specialty services are available on-site, while additional subspecialty services can be accessed through community contracts.
In addition to adhering to federal, national, and local regulations, policies, and accreditation standards governing this healthcare system, the position includes the following responsibilities:

• Engage in chart reviews, participate in staff meetings, committees, and other initiatives aimed at process improvement.
• Implement advancements in medical care and adhere to established practice standards.
• Exhibit effective communication skills, both with staff and leadership, regarding patient outcomes and relevant issues.
• Follow clinic protocols for patient scheduling and access.
• Respond promptly to critical notifications regarding lab and diagnostic test results.
• Ensure all patient encounters are documented and closed on the same day as the visit, fulfilling CPRS documentation requirements in a timely manner.
• Maintain and renew credentials necessary for privileging and re-privileging, achieving competencies and performance as sanctioned by the professional board.
• Oversee the delegated care activities of Nurse Practitioners and Pharm D team members.
• Provide cross-coverage for physicians within the privileges approved by the Professional Standards Board.
• Communicate coverage plans to team members during any leave of absence.
• Complete all training, employee health, and environmental and occupational requirements.

• Offer clinical insights and oversight for patient treatment plans.
• Be accessible to team members for collaboration when medical or other issues arise.
• Ensure that care is delivered promptly and in suitable settings, adhering to accepted practices and evidence-based guidelines.
• Supervise the delegated care activities of Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Pharm D's, and others operating within their scope of practice.
• Document patient visits accurately and in a timely manner within CPRS.
• Facilitate appropriate consultations and the implementation of recommendations from consultants.
• Address infection control issues, including skin testing, immunizations, and infection prevention measures.
• Provide cross-coverage for various clinical GEC services within the privileges recommended by the Professional Standards Board.
• Maintain privileges and continue practicing in the designated specialty field.

Our organization offers a comprehensive total rewards package:

• Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonuses, and regular salary increases.
• Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of annual paid time off, including 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays, and a potential 5-day paid absence for CME.
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension with a 5-year vesting period and a federal 401K with contributions of up to 5% from the organization.
• Insurance: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance (many federal insurance programs can be continued into retirement).
• Licensure: One full and unrestricted license from any U.S. state or territory.
• CME: Possible reimbursement of up to $1,000 per year.
• Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage included.
• Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restrictions on moonlighting.