Physician Assistant - Orthopedic Spine

Job Title: Physician Assistant

A graduate Physician Assistant qualified by academic and practical education to provide patient services as a physician extender under supervision of a physician is required. A graduate of a Physician Assistant Training Program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARCPA), or its predecessors, and acceptable to the Surgeon General, USAF is required.

The HCWs must maintain, at the contractor's expense, current certification in either the American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) (Course C) or the client Healthcare Provider Course (cards must display the American Heart Association or Military Training Network emblem). This position further requires that the incumbent be certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). Some on-site training may be available at the MTF on a space available basis; however, the contractor shall not bill and the Government shall not pay for any time HCWs spend in or for certification training.

Have at least 12 months of experience, as a Spine Surgical Physician Assistant is required. Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician's Assistants (NCCPA) is required.

Current, full, active, and unrestricted license (with no limitations, stipulations or pending adverse actions) to practice as a Physician Assistant in a State, District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States.

Duties

The duties for the HCW are as follows but not limited to:

• The contractor shall examine, diagnose, and treat diseases and injuries of the spine/musculoskeletal system by surgical and conservative means and application of corrective mechanical devices. Provides clinical assessments, diagnosis, treatment and evaluation. Provides Ortho Spine specialty medical care with the cognizance or supervision of a physician.
• The Contractor will obtain and evaluate medical histories, performs physical examinations, performs therapeutic and diagnostic procedures, and orders laboratory studies, radiographs, electrocardiograms, and other special examinations. Examines patients and determines x-ray examinations and clinical laboratory tests required. Contractor shall interpret test results and evaluate examination findings.
• The contractor shall conduct spine/orthopedic surgical procedures and coordinate operations with the operating room personnel and anesthesiologist.
• Collects specimens for pathologic examination. Analyzes and interprets data, formulates problem lists, and establishes plans for solution of clinical problems.
• Counsel's patients on medical problems, use of drugs, expected effects of treatment, family planning, childcare, diet, and other therapeutic health maintenance matters.
• Makes entries in patient's permanent medical records.
• The contractor shall administer and prescribe such conservative measures of treatment as antibiotics, drugs, and compresses. In emergency situations, administers lifesaving procedures and medications pending availability of physician.
• Procedures include cardiopulmonary resuscitation, treatment of life endangering traumatic injuries, defibrillation, insertion of endotracheal tubes, and administration of whole blood, oxygen, and other emergency medications.
• Coordinates patient care and coordinates patient care with other members of healthcare team.
• Initiates consultation requests to other health professionals to provide more comprehensive patient management and shall coordinate orthopedic surgery services with other medical activities.
• The contractor shall possess ability to acquire and use basic computer skills to enter patient data and extract patients' information, from a variety of sources to include, but not limited to, MH Genesis, Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS), and Joint Longitudinal Viewer (JLV).
• The contractor shall prepare all documentation to meet or exceed established standards of the MTF to include but not limited to timeliness, legibility, accuracy, content, and signature. Only MTF and Air Force approved abbreviations can be used in the documentation of care in the health care record.
• The contractor shall provide inpatient care, including new patients, when consults are requested by the admitting health care team. Accomplishes narrative summaries and other documentation.
• Instructs other personnel assigned to health care team on preventive medicine programs and other appropriate medical activities and functions as directed.
• Must be able to assist in Spinal and Orthopedic Surgery. Must be able to perform independent supervised evaluation and management of the Spine injured patient. The contractor shall instruct students and residents in orthopedic spine surgery procedures.
• The contractor's primary responsibility will be to Spine and Orthopedic Surgery. If time allows, at the discretion of the government supervisor, the contractor will see and evaluate patients in the Pain Management Clinic and assist with Pain Management procedures in the clinic and Operating Room.
• Performs first assistant duties, and portions of orthopedic and spinal surgeries under the supervision of the surgeon, by scrubbing in the Operating Room during Orthopedic and Orthopedic Spine surgeries and major joint surgeries. Also assists the provider when performing minor procedures such as the removal of foreign bodies. Performs dressing changes IAW aseptic standards within clinic treatment area, cleans minor wounds and removes sutures. During surgery, assists in moving and positioning the patient; assists in draping the patient for surgery and preparation of specialty equipment. Aids in surgical exposure by holding and handling instruments, performs retraction, and holding and cutting sutures. Performs wound closure. Prepares surgical grafts/graft material. Anticipates surgeons' needs and responds to requests for instruments, supplies, and procedures during surgery to preclude necessity for removal of the surgeon's attention from the operative field. Actively engages in the manipulation of tissue at the direction of the surgeon, including wound closure. Assists and applies Orthopedic and Spine post-operative braces/orthotics, and appliances such as braces, outriggers, splints, casts, and other specialized devices. Must have knowledge of operating room techniques and procedures in order to assist the surgeons before, during and following surgery. Must also have knowledge of aseptic procedures in order to prevent infection and cross-contamination. Assists in patient management after surgery. The contractor shall treat patients suffering from surgical shock, postoperative hemorrhage, and other complications.
• Performs history and physical exams, MRI reviews, reviews consults placed by Primary Care/Specialty Care providers for consideration for appointment to the Orthopedic Spine Clinic, performs new patient visits, consultation visits, established patient visits, tele-health visits, and post-operative visits. Reviews patient medical record for previous exams and other pertinent data for provider's reference during current exam. Completes patient T-Cons and Clinical Notes IAW MDG Guidelines. Provides information requested or refers caller(s) to appropriate agency or section for assistance in accordance with established protocols. Ensures all needed records, X- rays and medical reports (i.e., MRI/CT/X-rays/bone scan/arthrogram results and any other pertinent consultations) are available to the physician. Orders appropriate imaging and diagnostic studies (MRI, CT, EMG, Lab Work, EKG, Chest x-rays, etc) as well as knowing their indications and contraindications.
• Prepares medications for administration for the patient and properly documents administration of medications. Consents the patient for the injection and preps injection site prior to the injection, using proper sterile techniques, knowledge of medications given and possible side effects and adverse reactions
• Routinely performs clinic duties promptly and efficiently. Effectively monitors the rare exception of patients for reactions to medications, and promptly responds in case of adverse reaction. Routinely performs clinic duties accurately, effectively and within office and Medical Group guidelines. Routinely interacts with patients and staff pleasantly and professionally. Performs other Orthopedic Clinic activities as directed by supervisor.
• The contractor shall be familiar with reducing and immobilizing fractures by open or closed methods, using such corrective devices as braces, casts, and splints.
• Constructs and applies a variety of splints and casts using all forms of casting materials to include thermoplastic casting materials. Obtains and applies needed splinting and casting material.
• Properly immobilizes injured body part(s) and properly reduces fractures. Applies subsequent or uncomplicated casts independently. Shapes and attaches splints. Applies plaster and fiberglass casts such as short, long and partial weight hearing. Operates the fluoroscopy unit. Develops and maintains aseptic techniques where required during cast changes/applications and/or removals. Applies braces to extremities post-surgery and during daily clinic operations. Apply a variety of equipment such as suspension, traction and various others methods designed to fit the specialized needs of the patients. Participates in continuing education programs to maintain technical proficiency and to stay abreast of latest developments in the field. Gives training and instructions to other hospital staff such as physician assistants, acute care physicians, nurses, and medical journeyman concerning casting, techniques and principles.
• Takes timely and appropriate action in emergency situations.
• Routinely performs cast/splint/brace duties at the accepted and normal levels of orthopedic trade practices. Routinely performs casting/splinting duties efficiently and effectively. Promptly notifies the attending physician of any unusual occurrence or problems during application and removal of cast/splints/braces.
• Teaches patients and family members how to properly manage cast care. Informs patients and family members about proper Cast/Splint/Brace care.