Orthopedic Physician Associate

Huggins Hospital; Wolfeboro (NH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A community hospital in New Hampshire is seeking an experienced Advanced Practice Provider for its orthopedic practice. This role involves conducting physical assessments, formulating care plans, and collaborating with various healthcare teams. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in orthopedic care and be licensed in New Hampshire. This position emphasizes patient education and coordination of care, providing a vital link between patients and specialized orthopedic services.

Qualifications

• Three or more years as an Advanced Practice Provider preferred.
• Orthopedic competency validation through case volume or additional education required.
• Licensed by the State of NH as an Advanced Practice Provider.

Responsibilities

• Conducts physical assessments and therapeutic procedures in various settings.
• Educates patients and families about orthopedic conditions and treatments.
• Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for patient care.

Skills

Patient education

Collaboration with teams

Physical assessment

Education

Graduate of an accredited Advanced Practice Provider program

Job description

Under the general supervision of the collaborating Orthopedic surgeon(s), this role is responsible for performing diversified clinical duties in support of orthopedic practice, following evidence‑based guidelines in the care and treatment of patients in a courteous, respectful, and caring manner.

Direct Patient Care

• Conducts physical diagnostic assessments, medical history taking, and therapeutic procedures in accordance with orthopedic standards of care, across outpatient office, OR, Emergency Department, inpatient units, and all approved Huggins Hospital locations.
• Formulates, with the patient, an appropriate plan of care based on physical exam, history, and clinical findings, consulting physicians as necessary.
• Contacts patients with follow‑up information on testing, following clinical practice, hospital policy, and procedure.
• Recognizes and reports urgent information, ensuring follow‑through.
• Writes or submits orders—including diagnostic tests, referrals, and medications—within the EMR in a timely manner.
• Educates patients and families about orthopedic conditions, treatment options, and preventative strategies such as diet and activity; makes referrals to services that address treatment options.
• Collaborates with front office and clinical teams to triage urgent needs and complete same‑day appointments.
• Completes peer‑to‑peer documentation for insurance companies regarding diagnostic tests, surgeries, and other orders by orthopedic providers.
• Performs procedures such as digital blocks, regional anesthesia, and minor outpatient surgeries: tendon repair, wound closure, wound management, debridement, incision and drainage, needle biopsy, k‑wire removal, and hardware removal.
• Performs diagnostic and therapeutic procedures: joint and bursa aspirations, closed reduction of fractures and dislocations, joint, tendon, trigger‑point, and bursa injections, brace, cast, and splint applications.
• Assists in surgery (first‑assist, deep and superficial tissue closures, appliance application, and other actions delegated by the surgeon).
• Conducts hospital rounds, submits orders, evaluates and clarifies clinical conditions, formulates and implements treatment or therapeutic plans for hospitalized patients, dictates discharge summaries, histories, and physicals.
• Participates annually in the team for daily on‑call coverage.
• When on primary call, acts as the primary point person for orthopedic inquiries, consulting with surgeons, ED providers, anesthesia, consultants, nursing, and hospitalists; on secondary call, remains available to the primary surgeon and may be required onsite.
• Participates in the facilitation and coordination of multidisciplinary resources needed for surgical and non‑surgical orthopedic care.

Care Coordination

• Communicates with referring specialists and providers, serving as an ambassador for the orthopedic department service lines.
• Works collaboratively with all multidisciplinary team members.
• Makes medical diagnoses and intervenes with appropriate treatment, including referrals to other facilities, agencies, community resources, or physicians.
• Coordinates treatment with patients and families.
• Promotes the orthopedic department by participating in community offerings, presenting as the department’s ambassador, and remaining available for same‑day consults.

Organizational Responsibilities

• Participates in hospital meetings and cooperates with providers and coworkers to achieve departmental objectives; reports concerns and problems professionally through the chain of command.
• Ensures confidentiality of employee, legal, client/patient, budget, and all organizational matters.
• Maintains knowledge by attending educational programs that advance competencies in orthopedics.
• Works as an ambassador for orthopedics, collaborating within the multidisciplinary team to serve patients timely.
• Acts as a team member helping build the practice.

Record Utilization

• Utilizes the current EMR to complete Best Practice Workflows accurately.
• Documents physical findings and patient response on appropriate worksheets and medical records.
• Maintains accurate and detailed medical records—patient histories, functional impairments, treatment plans, and patient education—in a timely manner.

Organizational Expectations

• Attendance is essential; employees come to work daily, on time, and complete scheduled shifts.
• HIPAA compliance maintains patient confidentiality.
• Internal communication fosters positive team performance and a culture of service excellence through effective communication, listening, and respect.
• Interpersonal relationships with staff, patients, and visitors are maintained appropriately; employees work as team members with other departments.
• Workplace safety practices are followed daily.

Employee Engagement

• Actively participates in all hospital Service Excellence initiatives and trainings.
• Attends and participates in at least 50% of department staff meetings and signs off on 100% of meeting minutes.
• Completes all required annual education before the due date.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Minimal physical effort with occasional light lifting up to 25 pounds; stooping; and work primarily with fingers (pick, pinch, type).
• Effectively manages considerable mental stress.
• Expresses or exchanges ideas verbally.
• Receives detailed information through oral communication.
• Communicates effectively with co‑workers; conveys information clearly, concisely, and accurately.
• Familiarity with computers and other business machines.

Qualifications

• Education: Graduate of an accredited Advanced Practice Provider program.
• Experience: Three years or more as an Advanced Practice Provider preferred; orthopedic competency validation through case volume, additional education, or partnership in an orthopedic practice required.
• License and Certification: Licensed by the State of NH as an Advanced Practice Provider.