Physician in Charge

SUMMARY:

The Physician-in-Charge (PIC) is responsible for the primary and long-term medical needs of the participants of the PACE Southeast Michigan (SEMI). The PIC reports to the Medical Director. The medical evaluation of participants includes a detailed history, physical exam, record review of past medical history, the ordering of diagnostic studies, and the evaluation, synthesis and documentation of the results. As a member of the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), the PIC provides medical leadership and supervision to the team, oversight of the Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants (APPs), and planning for the health care needs of the participants of PACE SEMI.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS:

Administrative

• Workday, performance evaluations, huddles, documentation and timeliness of documentation, Performance improvement Plans in collaboration with medical director
• Additional areas of leadership: 
• Understand Finance as it relates to quality and utilization
• Other duties as assigned

Utilization

• Oversee authorization and PEND reports
• Subspecialist utilization
• Clinical practice guidelines for chronic disease management 
• Infection control: COVID, protocols for management of COVID pts at PACESEMI
• Training/education
• Collaborating with the Clinic Manager for processes to facilitate clinic flow and care
• Model 10 principles of personal leadership
• Model guiding principles of clinical care for providers 
• Other duties as assigned

Clinical

• The PIC will be responsible for providing clinical oversight of APPs. PIC has ultimate clinical responsibility for all participants at their assigned site, however, the PIC is not expected to have a panel – panels will be delegated to the APPs.
• Some of the areas where PIC will be expected to participate in the following clinical care: 
• Initials, acutes when and if needed
• Medically complicated, conversations around EOL/Comfort care when there are providers off and coverage is needed 
• Other duties as assigned

Oversight

• APP/PCT: oversight which includes but not limited to:
  • clinical care
  • available to discuss complicated cases
  • discussion for approved subspecialist referrals
  • review documentation, audit timeliness of documentation, communication with input. teams when indicated
• Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• The physician participates in annual, mandatory training and screening, including but not limited to: infection control, TB testing, safety training, and BLS training.
• The physician assumes responsibility for self-development through continuing education, utilizing resources within the health care system or elsewhere; the physician promotes professional behavior and growth by serving as a role model within the health team
• Must be a Medical Doctor or Doctor of Osteopathy, with current Michigan licensure; must have recent experience with geriatrics and be Board Certified Internal Medicine or Family Practice.
• Acts only within scope of his/her practice.
• The ability to establish and maintain interpersonal and interdepartmental relationships.
• The ability to apply principles of adult learning in planning and implementing educational activities.
• The ability to lead and direct other licensed and non-professional staff in the delivery of care.
• The physician reviews current periodical literature relevant to the general practice of medicine as well as information pertaining to the PACE model of care.
• The physician ensures adherence to departmental and external standards in the provision of quality focused care by attendance at professional meetings/committees and review of national standards of practice; participates in National PACE Association Committees, as appointed.
• The physician assists with on-site training or teaching programs for staff.
• One year experience working with a frail or elderly population.
• Must meet a standardized set of competencies (approval by CMS) before working independently.
• Must be medically cleared for communicable diseases and have all immunizations up-to- date before engaging in direct participant contact.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Working conditions are variable with exposure to communicable diseases, due to patient
• Driving is required within the PACE SEMI catchment area, with possible exposure to extreme temperatures, including heat and cold.
• Must have reliable transportation available daily and must maintain an acceptable driving record.
• Frequent walking, bending, lifting of forty (40) pounds or more may be needed to perform duties.
• The primary work site is at the center. May be required to see participants at home, in assisted living, and/or nursing home environments.