The Physician Assistant provides medical care to program participants under physician supervision, serving on the PACE interdisciplinary team to perform comprehensive assessments and develop treatment plans. Responsibilities include managing acute and chronic illnesses, prescribing medications, coordinating specialist care, and overseeing care for home-bound participants.
Requirements summary
Candidates must hold a graduate degree from an accredited Physician Assistant program approved by the Virginia Board of Medicine and be certified by the NCCPA, along with holding a current Virginia PA license and having a practice agreement in place. A minimum of one year of experience with a geriatric population, a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and successful completion of background checks are also required.
Provides medical care to program participants under the supervision of a physician.
Job responsbilities
Serves on the PACE interdisciplinary team.
Performs comprehensive history and physical examinations of participants - initial assessments, six month assessments, and unscheduled assessments.
Develops, revises and keeps current treatment plans for participants.
Integrates clinical treatment plans with the overall plan of care for each participant.
Collaborates with the physician, nurses and IDT to meet the needs of participants at home, in the clinic or in a nursing facility to prevent serious acute illnesses that require inpatient treatment.
Evaluates and treats participants with acute, episodic and chronic illnesses, collaborating with the physician in the management of patient care.
Prescribes medications as indicated and monitors utilization.
Refers participants to and monitors care provided by medical specialists and other primary care providers.
Refers participants to inpatient physicians for necessary hospital admission,
Monitors each admission for service utilization and optimal clinical outcome.
Advises the IDT and hospital case managers about discharge planning.
Manages the care of home-bound participants and participants in nursing facilities through regular visits and telephone contacts.
Visits homebound participants as scheduled and visits other participants at home as needed.
Oversees care provided by visiting nurses.
Communicates changes in participant status to IDT members and notes changes in medical records.
Educates participants, staff and caregivers on health care issues.
Participates in family conferences, team meetings, committees and work groups as required.
Serves on the Compliance Committee and PACE Administrative Team.
Participates in the Quality Improvement program.
Participates in the coordination of a 24-hour care delivery system, sharing call with the physician.
Completes documentation in the medical record as required.
Maintains a safe and clean working environment
Adheres to infection control policies and procedures.
Utilizes the protocol entitled Clinical Guidelines in Family Practice (Uphold and Graham).
Acts within the scope of his or her professional license.
Essential functions
Oral and written communication skills
Interpersonal skills
Computer skills
Organizational skills
Problem solving skills
Record keeping and reporting skills
Supervisory responsibilities
The work of the Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses, Clinical Services Supervisor and other clinical staff should meet the approval of the Physician Assistant.
Qualifications
Physician Assistant who holds a graduate degree from an accredited Physician Assistant program approved by the Virginia Board of Medicine and certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
Must hold a current Virginia license to practice as a Physician Assistant.
Practice agreement in place with the collaborating physician.
One or more years’ experience with a geriatric population.
Balid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Proven clinical leadership skills and the ability to get along with others in a team setting.
Medically cleared for communicable diseases with up-to-date immunizations before participant contact.
Criminal history records check at hire.
Drug screen at hire.
Work schedule
Full time. Schedule may vary due to week-end and after-hours call. Expected to work in a clinical setting at the PACE Center at least four days each week, Monday-Friday.
