An Orthopedics Physician Assistant provides medical care to patients, under the supervision of a physician or surgeon. Works in concert with an orthopedist, and is licensed to practice medicine but has less formal certification than a physician. Performs duties delegated by a physician such as recording patient medical histories, ordering diagnostic tests, or giving immunizations.
The Orthopedic Specialist's primary function is to support the Orthopedic Surgeon with patient care as directed and also has the ability and training to perform basic medical assistant duties and front desk specialist duties as needed. As a member of the Orthopedic Team, the Specialist delivers patient care and assumes appropriate responsibilities concerning non-surgical procedures. The Specialist assists the Orthopedic Surgeon with clinical patient care including: casting, scheduling of surgical and diagnostic procedures, managing patient care during a clinic (including patient flow through the exam and X-ray rooms), answering patient inquiries, and fielding messages and requests directed to the surgeon. In addition, the Technician Specialist is frequently called upon to triage patient phone calls regarding symptoms, urgency of their injury/illness, and immediate care to manage pain/injuries prior to coming in for an appointment. The Specialist may also assist with rooming patients, taking vital signs, obtains history of chief complaint for visit. On occasion the Technician Specialist may assist with front desk duties such as greeting and registering patients.
Responsibilities:
Removes sutures and staples. Changes dressing and cares for wounds. Applies, adjusts and removes casts. Applies orthopaedic bracing. Schedules surgical and diagnostic procedures. Provides patient pre-operation instructions and follow-up, authorizations, medication. Prepares injections; prepares patients for injections. Requests x-rays, coordinates test results and other paperwork in preparation for clinic. Answers patient inquiries and fields messages and requests directed to the surgeon. Manages medications ordered by physician. Records patient's vital information. Assists surgeon managing patient care during a clinic including patient flow through the exam and x-ray rooms. Triages patient phone calls regarding symptoms, urgency of their injury/illness, and immediate care to manage pain/injuries prior to coming in for an appointment within established parameters and using knowledge of the muscoskeletal system. Orders and checks in medications delivered from the pharmacy. As needed, greets patients, escorts patient to exam room, and performs vital signs, weight and height, and obtains history of chief complaint for the visit. Completes documentation appropriately in patient chart. As needed, assists at front desk with patient check in and check out.
Requirements:
Education:
High School Graduate or equivalent.
Certification/Licenses:
Certification through the National Board for Certified Orthopedic Technologists (NBCOT) or Registration through the American Society of Orthopedic Professionals (ASOP) required. Medical Assistant Certification is acceptable until Certification as Ortho Technologist is obtained within six months of hire. BLS issued through American Heart Association is required.
Skills:
Ability to describe various orthopedic conditions based on an understanding of anatomical structures and their relationship with one another. Ability to apply, adjust and remove common orthopedic devices, using standard practice as a guide. Knowledge of the proper application of aseptic techniques in dressing change and the removal of sutures or staples. Ability to interpret simple fractures and dislocations on X-ray films. Understanding of clinic and environmental safety and precautions Thorough working knowledge of musculoskeletal system Demonstrated knowledge of anatomy, physiology and medical terminology Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with principles of aseptic techniques Basic knowledge of application and use of orthopaedic equipment and supplies Effective communication skills Excellent customer service skills
Desired Skill:
Ability to perform in an operating room environment as first and second assistant or scrub technician under the direct supervision of a surgeon
Desired Skill:
Ability to supervise and train other certified or eligible
Orthopedic Technologists Experience:
One year full-time work experience in a hospital, clinic or office setting, working directly in the treatment of orthopedic patient(s) preferred.
