Physician Assistant Rheumatology Boston and Waltham

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:Reporting to the Assistant Clinical Director and to the collaborating physician, the Physician Assistant (PA) will work in both our ambulatory Rheumatology clinic settings (Boston & Waltham) and will be responsible for the care of patients in the practice in accordance with the rules and regulations of Massachusetts governing Physician Assistant practice. Provides enhanced access for patients into the clinic and coordinates patient care throughout the care continuum - including comprehensive physical examinations, coordination of tests, procedures and consultations, implement therapy/treatment plans, perform patient education and communicate with referring providers. Promotes a collaborative relationship and effort between the medical staff, professional nurses and administrative staff, to ensure continuity of patient care and efficient use of resources.PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:The Rheumatology PA provides direct care to patients with rheumatologic conditions in collaboration with the physician and entire rheumatology team.Performs full history, physical exam, and utilizes advance practice knowledge to develop a care plan for the patient.Follows and manages patients (both in collaboration with MD and independently), with specific focus on patients with crystalline arthritis (gout and pseudogout), osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.Performs specialized procedures particular to the select population mutually agreed upon with the collaborating physician. Specialized procedures include:Arthrocentesis of small, intermediate and large joints.Intra-articular steroid injections.Prescribes medications in compliance with regulations and protocols.Monitors labs in patients who are taking medications that require regular blood work.Is responsible for checking appropriate diagnostic labs and screening labs before starting medications.Is responsible for follow up care of patients, in collaboration with other staff including nurses and patient service coordinators. In particular, is responsible for monitoring lab results, responding to patient phone calls and responding to patient messages via the electronic health portal.Helps to triage requests for urgent new patient consultations. Helps to evaluate urgent new patient consultations especially those patients with monoarticular arthritis who may require urgent arthrocentesis.Helps to evaluate patients who may need urgent follow up (both in collaboration with MD and independently).Collaborates with medical staff and physicians to plan, implement and evaluate pertinent change in practice and health care delivery, thus facilitating a comprehensive plan of care.Facilitates patient movement through the system and efficient use of resources through interdepartmental collaboration.Provides consultation to both nurses and serves as a resource to staff in area(s) of expertise.Maintains and practices in accord with practitioner guidelines per state and hospital regulations.EducationalParticipates in Division of Rheumatology educational meetings including weekly Grand Rounds.Maintains the standards and educational requirements specific to the position and licensure.Identifies own learning needs and goals.Maintains and updates clinical knowledge and skills based on current health care practice/research.Completes all hospital requirements for FPPE and OPPE.QUALIFICATIONS:Requires current licensure in the commonwealth of Massachusetts as a registered PA.Training in and a graduate of an accredited NCCPA program.Current certification as a physician's assistant in appropriate specialty to care for adult patients.5 years of ambulatory experience as a PA, ideally in a rheumatology clinic setting, preferred but not required.SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:Demonstrated competence in specialized area.The ability to perform the following techniques/procedures:Arthrocentesis of small, medium and large joints.Intra-articular cortisone injections.Possess the maturity, self-confidence, and ability to follow complex patient management plans as directed by the attending physician.Eligible for state and federally controlled substances registration.Diagnose and treat health problems; obtain patient histories, perform comprehensive physical exams, do simple diagnostic tests, prepare a diagnosis and implement treatment procedures for illnesses; and prescribe medications.Experience in managing adult patients (aged 18 years and over).WORKING CONDITIONS:Direct patient care role includes frequent patient contact/exposure and work in a hospital environment on a daily basis, including potential risk exposure to bodily fluids.The work may include lifting heavy objects and patients.Setting also includes standard office conditions/configurations and working in fast paced, complex clinical settings.May require attendance at meetings outside of regularly scheduled hours.Massachusetts General Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. Applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged.Primary Location:

MA-Boston-MGH Main CampusWork Locations:

MGH Main Campus, 55 Fruit Street, Boston 02114Job:

Physician AssistantsOrganization:

Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)Schedule:

Full-timeStandard Hours:

40Shift:

Day JobEmployee Status:

RegularRecruiting Department:

MGH RheumatologyJob Posting:

Jul 31, 2024

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