Physical Therapist (PT) - Outpatient

About the Role

Interprets physician referrals and completes musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, and/or integumentary evaluations using appropriate methods. Establishes and implements individualized treatment plans based on evaluation results and functional goals. Monitors and evaluates patient outcomes, adjusting treatment plans as needed, and provides updates to physicians and other team members.

Responsibilities

• Identify factors affecting patient’s physical and psychosocial comfort and address these needs.
• Plan and complete patient discharge, including written home programs, patient/family teaching, community referrals, transition planning, and equipment ordering.
• Communicate and collaborate with stakeholders to achieve optimum patient care.
• Complete all required documentation, including evaluations, progress notes, team conference reports, and discharge summaries, following department policy and accreditation standards.
• Record patient care and progress for assigned patients.
• Complete daily statistics, billing, and scheduling while applying insurance guidelines for authorization and visit limits.
• Maintain site/department productivity standards and adhere to billing/documentation policies and timelines.
• Maintain a clean and orderly treatment area, including cleaning up after patient treatment and putting away equipment.
• Perform manual techniques, patient positioning, transferring, and transporting duties requiring lifting and pushing/pulling using proper technique.
• Demonstrate skill in using modalities, exercise equipment, and other devices per department orientation checklist.
• Apply knowledge of indications and contraindications for modalities and exercises.
• Promote patient safety by participating in safety initiatives and following infection control measures.
• Participate in performance improvement activities to identify and resolve issues affecting patient care outcomes.
• Manage assigned caseload and inform leadership of coverage needs; assist with coverage based on department and regional needs.
• Pursue professional growth through continuing education, department in-services, and professional literature.
• Orient new staff to clinical and department policies as requested.
• Participate in the evaluation of co-workers by providing feedback as requested.
• Supervise physical therapy assistants, including delegating tasks while maintaining responsibility for patient care plans and goals.
• Supervise physical therapy extenders (rehab aides/techs) and teach appropriate techniques for patient care.
• Supervise physical therapy students after completing one year of clinical experience.

Requirements

• Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited school or educational requirements commensurate with the date of graduation.
• Maintain continuing education requirements as mandated by applicable state professional standards.
• Licensed Physical Therapist in the state of employment.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification (obtained within 90 days unless exempted by department leader) by the American Heart Association (AHA).
• Intermediate computer skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated organization, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Successfully complete all competency assessments/requirements for patient care and site standards.
• Maintain annual educational requirements for hospital-based certifications (e.g., DNV, CARF).
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served.
• Understand principles of growth and development over the life span and assess data reflective of patient status to interpret age-specific needs.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, lift, and squat throughout the workday.
• Lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
• Lift up to 10 lbs. from waist to overhead.
• Lift and carry up to 40 lbs. at waist height a reasonable distance.
• Push/pull with 30 lbs. of force.
• Perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
• Repetitive use of hands for simple grasping (5-15 lbs.) for 20% of the workday.
• Pushing/pulling up to 75-100 lbs. for 10% of the day.
• Fine manipulation of hands during massage and joint mobilization.
• Functional use of senses for effective communication.
• Exposure to electrical and chemical hazards, blood, and body fluids; ability to wear protective clothing as needed.
• Potential travel exposure to road and weather hazards.
• Operate all necessary equipment to perform the job.