Physical Therapist

OVERALL PURPOSE OF JOB:

This position is responsible evaluating, treating and instructing patients in order to prevent, correct and alleviate impairment and functional limitations resulting from injury or pathology. This position assists patients in reaching their maximum performance potentials while learning to live within their capabilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB: (other duties may be assigned)

1. Perform patient evaluations.

• Daily, conduct patient evaluations including all pertinent tests and assessments of joint range of motion, strength, sensation, reflexes, transfers, balance, posture and gait.
• Complete evaluations on inpatients within 24 hours of receipt of the order from the referring physician.
• Outpatient evaluations must be initiated within 15 minutes of scheduled appointment.

1. Write and complete the evaluation results and appropriate plan of care.

• Inpatient evaluations must be written by the end of the business day of the day the evaluation is performed.
• Outpatient evaluations, excluding managed care patients, must be written within two working days of the date the evaluation is performed.
• Managed care evaluations must be written within one working day to prevent delays in approval for further patient treatment.

1. Write therapy plans and progress reports.

• Utilize SOAP format in evaluations and daily progress notes.
• Perform re-evaluations and write the results every 30 days.
• Document patient progress and status to physician when the patient is scheduled to visit the referring physician.
• Write discharge summaries and forward to physician within two days of patient discharge.

1. Perform physical therapy patient treatments.

• Daily administer therapeutic properties of exercise, heat, cold, electrical stimulation, water, US, massage and traction to patients in an age appropriate and safe manner.
• Recognize indications, contraindications and precautions to above modalities.
• Perform extensive chart reviews to recognize any contraindications for prescription.
• Modify patient position and prescribed program when necessary.

1. Provide clinical supervision to staff members.

• Delegate patients to the Physical Therapy Assistant who follows the patient’s plan of care until he/she feels the patient is ready for discharge.
• Delegate responsibilities to Physical Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapy Aide, and Secretary regarding set-up of patient prescription and scheduling for visits.
• Provide clinical supervision to student physical therapist assistants and student physical therapists.
• Orient student to work place, equipment, staff, and hospital policies/procedures.
• Delegate patients to student physical therapist with close monitoring by physical therapists.
• Provide written and verbal feedback to students in order to enhance performance.
• Complete mid-term and final evaluations of student’s clinical experience.

1. Instruct patients in the correct use of device/brace as necessary.

• Daily, measure/assess patient correctly with appropriate device/brace.
• Explain purpose and importance of the device in addition to the proper technique and instruction in its use. Obtain patient feedback to measure understanding of the explanation and instruction.

1. Ensure that physical therapy is delivered in accordance with established standards.

• Daily, strictly adhere to American Physical Therapy Association guidelines, department and hospital policies in providing physical therapy to patients.
• Evaluate and treat patient only if a referral from a licensed physician is supplied.
• Maintain strict patient confidentiality.

1. Submit and access patient claim information/physical therapy eligibility through Navinet system for reimbursement by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.

• Enter appropriate diagnostic (ICD10) code as well as patient’s demographic information through Navinet system within 24 hours of initial physical therapy evaluation.
• Obtain hard copy of patient’s physical therapy approval, eligibility, and benefits and place hard copy into patient’s medical chart.

1. Assist with Performance Improvement Program.

• Compile data on current PI project.
• Make recommendations for improvement based on data analysis.

1. Provide in-service training for rehab staff on a yearly basis

• Provide correct and appropriate information on in-service topic
• Training is to last 30 minutes with proper visual aides

1. Provide/monitor monthly statistics

• Send monthly statistics to the director of rehab by the 7th of every month.

1. Marketing/Physician engagement

• Provide education about services to local physicians.
• Participate in departmental marketing as seen necessary by director of rehab services.

OTHER DUTIES OF JOB:

1. Recommend and fit braces and orthotics and provide patient education on their use.
2. Assist with generalized duties as required.
3. Place documents into the patient chart.
4. Schedule patients for treatment.
5. Perform other related duties as assigned or required.
6. Follow standard precaution guidelines.
7. May assume duties of the Director of Physical Therapy in his/her absence.