Physician Assistant

General Summary:

The Physician Assistant (PA), under the direction of the Supervising Physician, performs work of considerable difficulty in the provision of primary health care, which consists of a broad range of health care services to patients. Formally trained to examine patients, diagnose injuries and illnesses, and provide treatment. Serves as patient’s primary health care provider for children, adolescents, and adults. Physician Assistants treat both physical and mental conditions through comprehensive history taking, physical exams, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests. Diagnoses certain diseases and provide appropriate treatment to include prescribing select medications.

Employment Status:                Salaried – FSLA Exempt Status

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Diagnoses, treats, evaluates, and manages acute and chronic illness and disease.
• Obtains medical histories and conducts physical examinations.
• Orders, performs, and interprets diagnostic studies.
• Prescribes physical therapy and other rehabilitation treatments.
• Provides prenatal care and family planning services.
• Provides well-care, including screening and immunizations.
• Provides primary and specialty care services, health-maintenance care for adults.
• Performs or assists in minor surgeries and procedures.
• Counsels and educates patients on health behaviors, self-care skills and treatment options.
• Provides health services including but not limited to screening, triage, testing, diagnosis, and treatment at the health center or offsite, including offsite programs or events and whether in-person or through telehealth.
• Performs other related work duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of preventative medicine, nutrition, wellness and health education.
• Knowledge of the professional medical practice and care to give and evaluate patient care.
• Knowledge of medical equipment and instruments to administer care.
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Skill in applying and modifying the principles, methods, and techniques of medicine to provide ongoing patient care.

Qualifications:

• Successful completion of an accredited school of Physician Assistant.
• Current license to practice as a Physician Assistant in the State of Georgia.
• Current Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) certificate or the ability to obtain one in 6-0 days.
• 3 years’ experience as a Physician Assistant preferred.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to satisfactorily perform these essential functions without causing undue hardship for the employer.

• Full range body motion including handling and lifting patients, manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination.
• Sitting, standing, and walking for prolonged periods of time.
• Occasionally lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Normal or corrected vision and hearing to normal range.
• Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
• Ability to respond rapidly to potential security and/or medical codes/issues.
• Remaining awake and alert while on duty for 8 or more hours per shift.

Typical Working Conditions:

• Frequent contact with staff, patients, and the public.
• Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, medical preparations, and other conditions common to a clinical environment.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer in a normal office environment.
• Work may be stressful at times and may require occasional evening or weekend work.

HIPAA Disclosure:

This position has access to systems and/or services that contain protected health information (PHI) as defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.  Additionally, the position ensures and adheres to strict confidentiality when handling patient information, according to the HIPAA Privacy Act and supporting GAPHC policies and procedures.

Reporting Relationship:                      Chief Executive Officer and Medical Director

Supervisory Responsibilities:               Clinical Staff