Pulmonologist Amarillo Healthcare System

Functional Statement
Pulmonologist VM 0602-15
Amarillo VA Healthcare System
I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNED DUTIES
The Pulmonologist is responsible for patient care, patient/family education and participation in any indicated clinical research in pulmonary medicine. The pulmonologist provides comprehensive care for patients who have illnesses within the scope of pulmonary medicine/sleep spectrum as noted in privileges granted. The Scope of these activities covers all phases of ambulatory care. Other responsibilities may include education of medical students and residents and/or supervision of other providers. Most of the pulmonologist’s time is devoted to patient care and education, with the remaining time set aside for performance improvement activities, creative research to improve patient care, activities sufficient to maintain proficiency in state-of-the-art pulmonary care. Care will be provided to the Amarillo VA Healthcare System, physical duty location is the Lubbock CBOC in Lubbock, TX.
Full Performance level: This is the full performance level for a VM-15.
II. FUNCTIONS OF ASSIGNED DUTIES:
In addition to observance of Federal, national, and local regulations, policy and accreditation requirements governing the Health Care System, this position encompasses the following examples of responsibilities overseen by a pulmonologist. The pulmonologist will be provided appropriate time mapping and resources to ensure they are empowered to meet expected proficiencies in administration, clinical practice, education, and research.
Administrative.
Documents care provided in the computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) in accordance with Amarillo VA Health Care System requirement.
Documents the detailed, targeted, initial history and physical examination required for evaluation in the electronic tools(s) required by VA.
Obtains consent and documents procedures performed for which the pulmonary specialist is responsible. Provides education and counseling of patients and families in preventative care, medical conditions, and the use of prescribed treatments and drugs.
Review and revise policies and scope of practice/standards of operation to meet the needs of the National VA and Amarillo VA Health Care System mandates.
Review and guide protocols in chronic patient managements including coordinating efforts with prosthetics department to meet patient’s needs and maintain fiscal responsibility.
Clinical
Writes medical orders and prescriptions for non-controlled and controlled substances, as necessary, for the care of the patient in accordance with Federal and State law.
Responds to and completes consults received for the evaluation of pulmonary and sleep, including Performing comprehensive, detailed, targeted, initial history and physical examinations in compliance with national guidelines.
Orders diagnostic studies such as laboratory tests, X-rays, PFTs, electrocardiograms (EKG’s) and other tests.
Functional Statement
Pulmonologist VM 0602-15
III. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The employee is under the supervision of the CBOC Medical Director.
The supervisor or other designated employee assigns work with standing instructions on objectives, priorities, and deadlines, and provides guidance for unusually involved situations. Supervisory controls are general in nature and usually deal with matters related to overall objectives, policies, and operations of the Pulmonary Department.
The employee independently plans and carries out the work and processes most procedural and technical tasks or actions and handles problems and deviations in accordance with instructions, policies, previous training, or accepted/standard practices. The employee completes all assignments in a timely manner making day-to-day decisions using own initiative referring only unusual complex problems to supervisor.
The supervisor evaluates completed work for overall clinical care and conformance to agency policies. The methods used by the employee in accomplishing the assignment generally are not reviewed in detail. The employee keeps the supervisor informed of project progress and any potentially controversial matters.
IV. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Meets the qualification standard for a physician as defined in VA Handbook 5005/113 Part II Appendix G2.
V. CUSTOMER SERVICE REQUIREMENTS
Meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers (Veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provides the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflicts and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately.
VI. AGE, DEVELOPMENT, AND CULTURAL NEEDS OF PATIENTS
Age-specific care, as identified in the Age-Specific Competencies including knowledge of changes associated with aging and principles of growth and development relevant to the adult and geriatric age groups; ability to assess and interpret data about the patient’s status; and ability to identify age specific needs and provide the appropriate care based upon the age-related factors noted.
VII. COMPUTER SECURITY REQUIREMENTS
Protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, Federal regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHA policy. Protects the data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or
Functional Statement
Pulmonologist VM 0602-15
unauthorized deletion. Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access code, etc.
Uses word processing software to execute several office automation functions such as storing and retrieving electronic documents and files: activating printers, inserting, and deleting text, formatting letters, reports, and e-mails. Uses the Veterans Health Information and Technology
Architecture (VistA) to access information in the Medical Center Computer System.

Paid Time Off:

• 26 Days paid annual (vacation/personal) leave
• 13 Days paid sick leave each year with no limit on accumulation
• 11 Federal holidays with pay annually
• 5 Days paid absence to attend approved CME courses

Insurance:

• Health Insurance: VA employees have an outstanding number of health insurance plans from which to choose (premiums are partially paid by VA) Lifetime Healthcare Insurance options available
• Dental & Vision: Our insurance options also include exceptional vision and dental plans (premiums are partially paid by VA)
• VA employees have the option to use Flexible Spending Accounts, which allow you to use tax-free dollars to pay for medical, dental, and vision care expenses that are not reimbursed by your health insurance plan
• Term life insurance, family, and additional coverage options are available with the cost shared by the Federal Government
• Long-term care insurance is available as an option

Federal Retirement Plan:

• VA employees are covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). FERS is a three-tiered retirement plan composed of 1) Social Security benefits, 2) FERS-RAE basic benefits (pension), and 3) Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) which is a 401K-type plan
• How is the pension funded? VA employees automatically contribute 4.4% of their salary each pay period and the VA contributes 12.2% of the employee’s salary each pay period for a total annual contribution percentage equal to 16.6% of the employee’s salary
• Similar to the 401(k) savings plans widely available in the private sector, the TSP allows employees to tax defer a portion of their income each year, subject to the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service. For calendar year 2020, employees under the age of 50 may contribute up to $19,500, while those over age 50 are eligible to make catch-up contributions that allow them to defer up to $25,500.
• The Federal Government also provides an automatic basic contribution (1% of salary) and up to 4% of salary in matching contributions, depending on the amount of the employee contribution
• For retired military personnel, these benefits are in addition to full monthly retirement pay or pension
• In addition to FERS, VA provides health care insurance coverage for retired personnel
• Disability Retirement
• Employees are vested in a federal pension after only 5 years service

The Amarillo VA Health Care System, a division of the VA Health Care Network (VISN 17), provides primary specialty, and extended care of the highest quality to veterans throughout the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles, eastern New Mexico, and southern Kansas. Approximately 25,000 patients are treated annually. The health care system maintains 55 acute care inpatient beds for general medical, surgical, and intensive care. Geriatric and extended care is provided in the 120-bed skilled nursing home care unit. A modern ambulatory care center and medical arts building facilitates the delivery of primary care, specialty care and preventive health services. The Amarillo VA Health Care System also ensures health care is accessible to those veterans residing in rural areas through three community-based outpatient clinics located in Lubbock, Childress, and Dalhart, Texas, as well as Clovis, New Mexico.

Mission:

The mission of the Amarillo VA Health Care System is to provide timely, efficient, ethical, safe, compassionate, and quality health care to veteran patients.

Vision:

The Vision of the AVAHCS is to become:

• The recognized leader of health care in our community / region
• The provider of choice
• The employer of choice

Core Values:

• Integrity: Act with high moral principle. Adhere to the highest professional standards. Maintain the trust and confidence of all with whom I engage.
• Commitment: Work diligently to serve Veterans and other beneficiaries. Be driven by an earnest belief in VA’s mission. Fulfill my individual responsibilities and organizational responsibilities.
• Advocacy: Be truly Veteran-centric by identifying, fully considering, and appropriately advancing the interests of Veterans and other beneficiaries.
• Respect: Treat all those I serve and with whom I work with dignity and respect. Show respect to earn it.
• Excellence: Strive for the highest quality and continuous improvement. Be thoughtful and decisive in leadership, accountable for my actions, willing to admit mistakes, and rigorous in correcting them.

Facility Facts and Specifics

The Thomas E. Creek VA Medical Center located in Amarillo, Texas is the main facility for the Amarillo VA Health Care System (VAHCS) which serves approximately 65,600 veterans in a primary service area to include 59 counties in the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles, eastern New Mexico, and southeast Kansas. It was constructed in 1939 and dedicated on May 12, 1940.

A division of the VA Health Care Network (VISN 17), the Amarillo VAHCS provides primary, specialty, and extended care of the highest quality to veterans, maintaining three community based outpatient clinics located in Lubbock, TX, Childress, TX, and Clovis, NM.

Approximately 25,000 patients are treated annually. The health care system maintains 55 acute care inpatient beds for general medical, surgical, and intensive care. Geriatric and extended care is provided in the 120-bed skilled nursing home care unit. A modern ambulatory care center and medical arts building facilitates the delivery of primary care, specialty care and preventive health services.

Specialized Programs include support of the CCHT Program through Telehealth Care Coordination, a home portable sleep study program, Outpatient Substance Abuse program and a VIST program. The VIST program manages services to blind veterans living in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

The Amarillo VAHCS has dedicated Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom staff working in a coordinated effort to reach military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and help to make a seamless transition to veterans’ health care.

The Amarillo VAHCS provides an active teaching environment for medical students and residents through a formal affiliation with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. The rotation includes approximately 40 residents in Internal Medicine, Family Practice, and Specialty Care. Other affiliations with Texas Tech University School of Pharmacy, Northeastern State University of Optometry, West Texas A&M University and Amarillo College provide a variety of educational opportunities in pharmacy, optometry, nursing and various allied health programs.