Physician Assistant: Outpatient Orthopedics

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive medical histories and physical examinations for new and established orthopedic patients.
• Order, review, and interpret diagnostic tests, including X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and laboratory studies.
• Formulate differential diagnoses and develop appropriate treatment plans.
• Provide non-surgical management for a variety of orthopedic conditions, including sprains, strains, fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis.
• Administer therapeutic injections (e.g., joint injections, trigger point injections, and viscosupplementation) safely and effectively.
• Apply and remove casts, splints, braces, and other durable medical equipment (DME).
• Perform wound care for minor lacerations and post-operative sites.
• Prescribe medications, including pain management and anti-inflammatory therapies, in accordance with state regulations and practice protocols.
• Order and coordinate referrals for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other specialty services.
• Conduct pre-operative evaluations and provide patient education regarding surgical procedures.
• Manage post-operative care, including wound assessments, suture and staple removal, and rehabilitation guidance.
• Education & Counseling
• Provide clear, concise instructions regarding medication use, activity restrictions, and follow-up care.

Job Responsibilities

• Takes initial patient histories and performs physical examinations.
• Initiates, documents, and communicates the plan of care and follows up to ensure complete screening and preparation of patients.
• Performs daily patient rounds.
• Writes orders for medications, laboratory work, and diagnostic tests.
• Interprets laboratory and test results.
• Confers with attending physicians, residents, nursing staff, and/or other care providers to ensure optimum quality of patient care.
• Upon discharge, notes discharge summaries, prescriptions, and any referrals on patient charts.
• Informs patients of the necessary post-discharge care instructions.
• Performs related duties as required.

Job Qualification

• Bachelor’s Degree, required.
• Graduate of an accredited (Accreditation Review Committee for Physician Assistant Programs ARC-PA) program, required.
• Current license to practice as a Physician Assistant (PA) by the New York State Department of Education, required.
• Current NCCPA Certification from the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), required.
• Current BLS certification, required.