PHYSICIAN I

DEFINITION

This is professional medical work as a general practitioner or consultant in a state facility, or in a public health or medicaid program.

An employee in this class is responsible for providing general medical and/or psychiatric services to patients in a state hospital or facility; assisting in the development and implementation of public health programs; or reviewing and evaluating medical claims. Work may involve the performance of specialized medical duties under the close guidance and review of a specialist as part of the professional training leading to a medical specialization. Assignments may also include directing the work of nurses; directing the activities of a small health unit; reviewing and evaluating medical claims; or participating in the planning and evaluation of medical care programs. Supervision is received from higher level physicians, specialists or other designated superior.

Any one position may not involve all of the specified duties or knowledges, skills and abilities, nor are the listed examples exhaustive.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Examines patients, diagnoses illness and medical problems, prescribes courses of treatment and participates in the treatment program which may require concentration in such areas as communicable diseases, tuberculosis, public health, psychiatry or other similar areas.

Assists in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of the psychiatrically disabled under the guidance of a fully qualified psychiatrist.

Performs operations such as tonsillectomies, prophylactic surgery and autopsies; assists on major surgery and supervises the postoperative care of patient.

Assists in the operation of public health programs in such areas as medical care, communicable diseases control, maternal and child health, chronic disease control, environmental sanitation, etc.; may be assigned to direct the activities of a small local health unit.

Assists in making investigations of public health conditions requiring medical determinations.

Conducts clinics as part of the public health program.

Reviews claims for a variety of medical services and disabilities covered under the medicaid program and makes recommendations for approval and denial.

Attends and participates in staff conferences to discuss, diagnose and evaluate specific cases; reviews care, treatment and cost standards; and plans and evaluates health programs.

Addresses professional and lay groups in order to explain the purposes, operating procedures and problems of health care programs and enlists public support where appropriate.

Performs other related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of general medicine and surgery.

Working knowledge of the methods and procedures utilized in diagnosing and treating a variety of diseases and injuries.

Working knowledge of the principles, techniques and practices of psychiatry.

Working knowledge of recent developments in the field of general medicine.

Some knowledge of public health programs and preventive medicine.

Ability to learn and apply those practices and techniques of public or medical administration which are necessary to the operation of public or state medical care programs.

Ability to plan, assign and coordinate the activities of nurses and other health care professionals.

Ability to create and maintain an effective working relationship with patients, employees, health care professionals and relatives of patients.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

(The following entrance requirements are used to admit or reject applicants for merit system examinations, or may be used to evaluate applicants for employment in positions not requiring selection from merit system registers. When applicable, equivalent substitution will be allowed for deficiencies in experience or education.)

Graduation from an accredited school of medicine.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATION

Ability to secure a license to practice medicine in the State of Missouri.

(Rev. 9/1/86)