PA Orthopedics Arthroplasty
Massachusetts General Hospital(MGH)

Job Info

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Under the direction of the Orthopedic Arthroplasty Service Physician Chief, Ortho APP Director, and Arthroplasty Manager, the Physician Assistant (PA) is responsible for the care of the high-volume arthroplasty patient population in the outpatient setting.

• Will be in a 1:1 relationship with the Supervising Physician and responsibilities include conducting independent clinics, optimizing patients prior to surgery, performing first assist in the OR, completing non-patient facing tasks (Gateway messages, phone calls, disability forms) and basically coordinate the patient's care throughout the surgical journey and its aftermath (preop, postop, recovery/rehab and implant surveillance).
• Will collaborate with Arthroplasty APP colleagues to support the mission/goals of their service.
• Will practice in accordance with the rules, regulations and standards issued by the state of MA and federal governing boards, including the American Academy of Physician Assistants (PAs) and the National Commission on Certification of PAs.

Primary Responsibilities:

Provides direct care, counseling, and teaching to the Arthroplasty patient population.

Functions independently in own clinic (15-20 patients).

Increases patient access to the service and surgical yield via independent clinics.

Primarily assists one Arthroplasty surgeon with the management of his high-volume patient practice but also assists the service with coverage during APP sick calls, vacation, and FMLAs.

Performs complete histories and physical examinations on new, established, preop, and postop patients.

Orders, interprets, and evaluates appropriate laboratory and diagnostic tests.

Develops appropriate plans of care and follow-up based on the outcomes of diagnostic, laboratory, and physical examination findings.

Consults with supervising physician/other Arthroplasty surgeons regarding abnormal findings outside the PA's of scope of practice.

Prescribes medications and narcotics as necessary according to organizational and state/federal regulatory policies and procedures.

Initiates consultations and referrals for patients.

Acquires preoperative surgical consents; confirms laterality and abides by all hospital consent guidelines.

Performs surgical optimization/education for patient and family, reinforcing the surgical plan presented by the attending physician.

Orders vital preoperative diagnostic and lab tests (MRSA/MSSA, A1c), imaging, consultations, and procedures as indicated or requested by the attending physician to medically optimize the patient for surgery to prevent delay/cancellation of cases.

Performs medication reconciliation when optimizing patients; instructs patients regarding medications to take/hold prior to surgery.

Performs all responsibilities of the first assist role in the OR with one Arthroplasty surgeon per the scheduling of the Administrative Manager. Responsibilities include patient transport to PACU, write standard Orthopass postop note, postop orders and communicate/sign-out to the inpatient APPs.

Manages add on urgent visits or assist support staff with walk in patients

Provides symptom management for Arthroplasty patients; surgical and nonoperative.

Manages a high volume of patient calls, Patient Gateway messages, emails and completes all outpatient clinical forms (FMLA, insurance disability, hardship letters).

Acquires prior authorizations for surgery, scans, medications, DME and other procedures as necessary

Consistently provides high quality and timely documentation of clinic visits (within 72 hours), admission and progress notes, procedure notes, and e-mail/phone conversations.

Contributes to patient presentation in clinic, weekly indications conference, and multi-disciplinary meeting/conferences as necessary.

Identifies patients appropriate for division research studies and obtains consents after completion of the institution's research training (Insight).

Practices cost effective medicine in an efficient manner, improving available resources.

Discusses patient data with other physicians and professionals as appropriate in a multidisciplinary setting.

Maintains communication with all inpatient staff (APPs, case management, OT/PT, consults) and all involved in the transition of patient care (skilled facility, VNA, PCP, referring physicians).

Provides an environment for effective patient centric care.

Demonstrates expert clinical judgment skills to function in an independent role.

Performs additional duties and responsibilities specific to the department/arthroplasty division.

Participates in departmental and organizational committees and programs as appropriate and attends all required meetings, in-services, and professional trainings.

Maintains outstanding interpersonal and communication skills as a member of the healthcare team to collaborate effectively with patients and loved ones along with colleagues, staff, and community health workers.

We offer an outstanding benefits packages to eligible employees including...

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Generous paid time off
• Subsidized MBTA pass (50% discount)
• Resources for childcare and emergency backup care
• Hospital paid retirement plan and tax-sheltered annuity plan
• Employee "Perks" - enjoy discounts on tickets and passes for everything from ski resorts to museums to sporting events.

You contribute to our success! Every role has an impact on our patients' lives. You can make a difference. We are looking for dedicated APP like you to be a part of our team!
About Mass General Hospital

Mass General Hospital is a world-renowned hospital that provides the highest quality care to patients. We are a leader in medical research and education, and we are committed to delivering our employees with a rewarding and fulfilling career.

Qualifications
The appropriate candidate will have successfully completed a graduate level physician assistant program (Master's degree) accredited by the Accreditation and Review Committee for Physician Assistants (ARC-PA) or such other accrediting agency as may qualify a graduate to sit for the NCCPA certifying examination.

Certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) to be acquired prior to first day of employment.

Current valid license or be eligible for licensure as a physician assistant in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Eligible for, and maintain, a current DEA registration and Massachusetts Controlled Substance Registration.

Complete 100 hours of CME according to national and state regulations during each two-year period of employment.

Demonstrate continued competence by passing a re-certification exam every ten years.

Qualified in all basic and advanced cardiac life support standards as established by the American Heart Association.

Prefer at least one year of experience with the first assist role for total joint cases.

Excel in effective and positive communications with patients, families, staff nurses, case managers, surgeons, trainees, support staff, and many interdisciplinary providers.

Proficient with MGH computer systems as needed to independently perform daily tasks (Epic preferred)

EEO Statement
Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

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