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 agerelated
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.
VIII. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Environment of Care: Follows Life Safety Management (fire protection) procedures. Reports safety hazards, accidents, and injuries. Reviews hazardous materials/Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)/waste management. Follows Emergency Preparedness plan. Follows security policies/procedures. Complies with federal, state, and local environmental and other requirements preventing pollution, minimizing waste, and conserving cultural and natural resources.
Infection Control: Demonstrates infection control practices for disease prevention (ie hand washing, universal precautions/isolation procedures, including TB requirement/precautions).
Frequent/Occasional Travel: The position requires occasional travel away from the duty station for infrequent distant meetings and conferences.
Patient Safety Competency Statement: The incumbent will be responsible for promoting a culture of safety and will fully cooperate in efforts to improve patient safety and eradicate potential events including the reporting of events resulting in actual or potential injury to a patient. Incumbent must demonstrate knowledge of the reporting procedures involving safety issues relating to patients.
Basic Life Support (BLS) is required for all direct patient care positions per local policy.
Incumbent will be self-directed in completing orientation and on-going mandatory education.
Will actively participate in annual competency assessment and validation.