BASIC FUNCTION:  Under the general direction of the supervising physician, cooperates with physicians in the provision of complete patient care for Clinicas’ patients, including the establishment of medical diagnoses and treatment plans. The Physician Assistant must participate in the development, execution, and periodic review of the written policies governing the services the clinic furnishes. Provides services in accordance with Clinicas policies, arranges for services that cannot be provided at the clinic. Assures that adequate patient health records are maintained and transferred as required. Participates with a physician in a periodic review of the patient’s health records.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: The duties recorded below are intended to accurately represent the duties of the class and are not intended to cover every single duty of the job.

1. Obtains historical information regarding patients’ medical needs and conducts proper examinations as indicated.
2. Initiates tests, therapies and medications as needed for patient care, following clinical guidelines for PA practice.
3. Communicates directly with supervising physician regarding questionable signs or symptoms to establish diagnoses or care plans.
4. Discusses test results and treatments with patients, and educates patients regarding disease processes, therapy compliance and health promotion.
5. Counsels patients as appropriate regarding their physical, mental and/or emotional needs.
6. Documents patient encounters thoroughly in appropriate format, including H & P forms, chronic care flow sheets or progress notes.
7. Obtains review of charts and signature by physician.
8. Initiates appropriate specialty and health service referrals.
9. Knowledge and implementation of community-based, patient-centered medical home (PCMH) process with appropriate coordination of care.
10. Responsible as a member of the health care team in participating in daily team meetings/huddles.
11. Support Nursing Staff and facilitate in implementing policies, procedures, and the PCMH process.
12. Refers all patients to supervising physician at least once annually or every four to five visits for concordance with findings.
13. Attends staff meetings as required.
14. Maintains required certifications.
15. Operates a variety of office equipment including computer, typewriter, copier, calculator, fax machine, telephone, etc.; operates and maintains nursing/medical equipment and supplies.
16. Evaluates and makes recommendations regarding Clinic policies and procedures pertaining to medical services.
17. Performs other duties as may be assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the methods, practices and terminology used in medical care; knowledge of the use and care of medical/nursing supplies and instruments; knowledge of medical crisis protocol; knowledge of standard medical recordkeeping procedures and regulations; knowledge of modern office practices and technology, including computers; knowledge of and skill in the proper use of English and Spanish languages; ability to learn, interpret and/or communicate rules, regulations, procedures, and policies; ability to follow oral and written directions; ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with physicians, co-workers, other professionals and patients; ability to react professionally and effectively in emergency medical situations; ability to learn new information and skills to enhance job performance; ability to prepare reports and records with accuracy and to maintain patient confidentiality as required; ability to make required calculations accurately; ability and willingness to work irregular hours as necessary.

PHYSICAL EFFORT: Normal medical clinic environment. Work requires the ability to walk and stand for extended periods of time, and to exert moderate, though not constant, physical effort in the performance of nursing procedures, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching, and the lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight.                

CONTACTS: Supervisor, co-workers, physicians, other Clinicas personnel, pharmacists, patients, vendors, hospital personnel, Health Department personnel, health care services, and the general public.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Worker risks exposure to odors, toxic/poisonous agents, communicable disease, pathogenic substances. Work is performed under stressful conditions.