About this role
Position Summary
The Physician Assistant (PA) or Nurse Practitioner (NP) supports orthopedic physicians in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care with a primary focus on adult joint reconstruction . This is primarily a clinic-based position , with responsibilities including evaluating and treating patients, managing pre- and post-operative care, performing in-office procedures, coordinating treatment plans, and providing patient education.
The PA/NP will work closely with the orthopedic surgeon throughout the continuum of care and will assist in surgery as needed. The position requires strong clinical judgment, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively within a busy orthopedic practice. All duties will be performed in accordance with applicable Texas laws, regulations, and the supervising/delegating physician's requirements.
Key Responsibilities: The essential duties of the position include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Clinical Care – Primary Responsibility
- Evaluate new and established patients with a primary focus on adult joint reconstruction, including hip and knee conditions.
- Obtain comprehensive patient histories and perform physical examinations and orthopedic assessments.
- Evaluate patients for surgical and non-surgical treatment options and assist the physician in developing individualized treatment plans.
- Order, review, and interpret diagnostic studies, including X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, laboratory studies, and other appropriate testing.
- Manage follow-up visits, pre-operative evaluations, post-operative checks, acute orthopedic concerns, and chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
- Provide ongoing management of patients throughout the pre-operative, surgical, and post-operative continuum of care.
- Perform appropriate in-office procedures, which may include joint injections and aspirations, splinting, casting, wound care, and suture/staple removal.
- Provide patient education regarding diagnoses, treatment options, medications, rehabilitation, activity restrictions, and expectations for recovery.
- Communicate with patients regarding test results, treatment recommendations, and follow-up care.
- Assist with patient triage and respond to clinical questions from patients and staff.
Surgical Support
- Assist the orthopedic surgeon in the operating room as needed, including surgical first-assist responsibilities when appropriate.
- Participate in pre-operative evaluations and preparation for surgical procedures.
- Provide post-operative patient management, including wound checks, medication management, and coordination of rehabilitation.
- Assist with inpatient or hospital-based patient care as needed based on physician and practice requirements.
Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant medical records, ensuring documentation aligns with Texas Medical Board and Physician Assistant Board regulations.
- Complete billing and coding documentation consistent with practice policies and payer guidelines.
- Follow all Texas scope-of-practice requirements, including maintaining a written prescriptive authority agreement as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Collaboration & Communication
- Work closely with orthopedic physicians, medical assistants, nurses, imaging staff, physical therapists, and administrative team members to provide coordinated patient care.
- Participate in discussions regarding patient care, surgical planning, and treatment options.
- Communicate effectively with patients and families to ensure they understand their diagnosis, treatment plan, and expected course of care.
- Contribute to an efficient patient flow and positive patient experience.
Qualifications
Qualifications
Required
- Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner program.
- Current, unrestricted Texas license as a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner.
- Current national certification appropriate to the provider's profession (NCCPA certification for PA or applicable national NP certification).
- Current DEA and Texas DPS registration for prescriptive authority, if applicable.
- BLS certification; ACLS certification or willingness to obtain, if required.
- Strong clinical skills and interest in adult joint reconstruction and orthopedic care.
Preferred
- Experience working in adult joint reconstruction, orthopedics, sports medicine, or a related specialty.
- Experience caring for patients undergoing hip and/or knee replacement surgery.
- Experience with pre-operative and post-operative orthopedic patient management.
- Surgical first-assist experience.
- Experience with joint injections, aspirations, wound care, and other orthopedic procedures.
- Strong proficiency with EMR systems, specifically Athena One, and orthopedic documentation templates.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong understanding of musculoskeletal anatomy and orthopedic conditions, particularly hip and knee pathology.
- Excellent clinical assessment, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to evaluate patients and develop appropriate treatment plans within the applicable scope of practice.
- Excellent communication and patient-relationship skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with orthopedic physicians.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Commitment to providing exceptional, patient-centered care.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced clinical environment.
Working Conditions
- Primarily a clinic-based position with regular patient-facing responsibilities.
- May include surgical days and hospital-based responsibilities as needed.
- Schedule will generally follow the physician's clinic and surgical schedule and may include some extended or flexible hours based on practice needs.
- Physical requirements may include standing for extended periods, assisting with patient mobility, and lifting up to 25 pounds.
Supervision
The Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner works under the supervision and delegation of the designated orthopedic physician(s) in accordance with the Texas Medical Board and Texas Physician Assistant Board rules.