As an integral part of a multi-disciplinary care within Central Health, the Specialty Advanced Practice Provider (APP) is responsible for providing direct patient care in the area of their clinical specialization, including but not limited to cardiology, neurology, gastroenterology, nephrology or pulmonology.

The Advanced Practice Provider would also have the opportunity for programmatic development and management of disease specific initiatives within their specialty, for example, a heart failure program.

The APP of Specialty Care has a unique opportunity to devote up to 20% of their time to implementing the Epic application(s), with the potential of becoming an Epic Super User.

This position is responsible for closely collaborating with the clinic's physicians, pharmacists, dietitians, social workers, nurses, and other clinical staff members, and assisting the team in achieving objectives and goals related to clinical practice and improved quality.

Central Health's mandate is to serve as the safety net for those individuals within the county who need healthcare services. Mission alignment and empathetic approach are central to our goal of advancing health equity and inclusion.

This position reports directly to the Director of Specialty Care.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

-Under the supervision of a physician, provides direct patient care within Central Health’s Specialty scope.
-Plans, promotes, demonstrates, recommends, and coordinates high standards of clinical practice.
-Examines patients, formulates diagnostic plans, and defines and orders required diagnostic testing.
-As clinically indicated, performs routine procedures within the APP scope of practice.
-Prescribes medicine, conducts early detection screenings, and coordinates referrals as needed.
-Communicates effectively with patients, physicians, staff, and administration. Ensures that communications with patients are culturally and linguistically appropriate.
-Develops a strong understanding of Epic application(s) as implemented at Central Health.
-Works closely with the patient’s primary care provider and other licensed healthcare facility providers to provide care that is in the best interest of the patient and consistent with Central Health’s policies, mission, and goals.
-Performs specialty assessments of patients using observation, inspection, auscultation, palpation, and percussion.
-Orders or executes various tests, analyses, and diagnostic images to provide information on the patient’s condition.
-Diagnoses and treats diseases, disorders, and injuries in designated specialty areas based on patient’s medical history and physical assessment results and refers patients as clinically appropriate.
-Prescribes medications and therapies for treatment and preventive care.
-Effectively communicates information to patients, families, colleagues, nursing, and other health care professionals, as appropriate.
-Prepares and provides timely and accurate reports and forms, as may be required by Central Health or others.
-Coordinates care and facilitates collaboration with other providers to provide services to eligible patients.
-Plans and coordinates daily care with Central Health’s care team members to assure maximum quality and efficiency of care between eligible patients, physicians, advanced practice providers, case management team, and nursing.
-Performs clinical and administrative services under general guidance and minimal supervision with accountability for specific organizational-level goals.
-Works closely with families of diverse patient populations.
-Facilitates effective communication with case management/care coordination teams regarding readmission prevention.
-Prioritizes duties and responsibilities, demonstrating strong organization and time management skills.
-Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills, assuring appropriate confidentiality is always maintained.
-Interacts with others in a positive, professional manner, contributing to a positive team environment.
-Works within the scope of credentialing privileges.
-Performs up to 20% of time on Epic application(s) work per week.
-Works in collaboration with Epic team to maintain up-to-date expertise on the Epic applications.
-Assist with customization of EMR for workflow to provide responsive service based on user needs.
-Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION:
-Graduation from an accredited School of Physician Assistants OR Master’s degree from an accredited School of Nursing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):

-2 years experience as an advanced practice provider in a specialty setting including but not limited to: cardiology, neurology, gastroenterology, nephrology, or pulmonology. 

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

-1 year experience supporting applications in a healthcare environment

-Previous work experience as an Epic application(s) high level/super user

-Demonstrated knowledge of Joint Commission standards, HIPAA regulations, Quadruple Aim, and value-based care.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURE:
• Unrestricted license to practice as a Physician Assistant in the State of Texas OR unrestricted license to practice Nursing in the State of Texas/current credentialing as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners.
• Current certification in area of specialty.
• Current Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) for the purpose of writing prescriptions.
• Current Healthcare Provider Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) through American Heart Association.
• Current Basic Life Support Certification for Healthcare Providers through American Heart Association.