Physician Assistant - Primary Care
United States Department of Veterans Affairs - Plymouth, MA
posted 4 months ago
About the position
The Physician Assistant position in the Primary Care Department of the Department of Veterans Affairs at the VA Boston Healthcare System is a full-time role located at the Plymouth VA Clinic in Plymouth, Massachusetts. This position is part of a patient-aligned care team (PACT) and involves providing comprehensive primary care to a panel of patients. The Physician Assistant will be responsible for chronic disease management, performing initial medical histories and physical examinations, and coordinating care for assigned patients. This includes managing medical problems, writing orders for medications, and treating minor illnesses. The role also involves ordering laboratory tests, imaging studies, diets, and over-the-counter medications, as well as reviewing diagnostic tests and reports. The Physician Assistant will observe and record patients' medical progress, update and summarize medical records, and notify the responsible physician of significant changes in patients' conditions. Additionally, the position requires writing prescriptions in accordance with federal and state law, performing medication reconciliation, and carrying out health promotion and disease prevention activities, including educating patients, families, and staff about preventive care and medical conditions. The work schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, with telework available at the supervisor's discretion. This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides student loan payment reimbursement for eligible candidates. The salary range for this position is between $122,452 and $193,489 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. The role does not require travel and relocation expenses are not reimbursed. Candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements for the EDRP and submit their application within four months of appointment. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status, and it is a bargaining unit position.
Responsibilities
- Chronic disease management for primary care panel.
- Working with a patient aligned care team (PACT) to provide primary care.
- Performing initial medical histories and physical examinations.
- Providing and coordinating comprehensive care for assigned patients.
- Managing medical problems, including writing orders for medications for stable medical conditions and treating minor illnesses.
- Ordering laboratory tests, imaging studies, diets, and over-the-counter medications and supplies.
- Reviewing diagnostic tests, reports, and consults.
- Observing and recording patients' medical progress, updating and summarizing medical records, and changing orders when appropriate.
- Notifying the responsible physician of significant changes in the patient's condition.
- Writing prescriptions in accordance with Federal and State law and as allowed by the Scope of Practice.
- Acting on clinical reminders and performing medication reconciliation.
- Carrying out health promotion and disease prevention activities, including education of patients, families, and staff.
Requirements
- Master's degree in any discipline or a bachelor's degree in any discipline with one year of experience as a Physician Assistant.
- Successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE) or are in the process of taking the exam.
- Currently hold, or will hold, a full and unrestricted license to practice in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or in the District of Columbia.
- Proficient in written and spoken English.
Nice-to-haves
- Previous experience in outpatient primary care strongly preferred.
Benefits
- Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) for student loan payment reimbursement.
- Comprehensive benefits package as a federal employee.
