Physical Therapist

JOB TITLE:  Physical Therapist

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:   Plans, interprets, and implements specific physical therapy treatment programs for patients. Registered physical therapist licensed in the state in which one is practicing. Maintains ethical and professional conduct at all times and adheres to APTA standards of practice for physical therapists.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:   Reports directly to the Director of Rehabilitation

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:   PT Assistant and PT Aides if Director of Rehabilitation/Assistant Director of Rehabilitation is not present

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:    Requires full range of body motion including manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination; Frequent standing and walking for prolonged periods of time; Requires handling and lifting of patients; Requires ability to safely use department equipment;  Requires prolonged sitting and standing for periods of time, as well as bending and stooping; Requires ability to facilitate prescribed treatment, including full manipulation and resistance; Requires ability to communicate nature of treatment to patient and prepare doctor’s report;  Lifts and carries items up to 100 pounds.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:   Exposure to diseases and other conditions common in a clinic environment

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:     (This list may not be all-inclusive)

1. Plan, evaluate and modify patients treatment programs in coordination with the physician
2. Administer treatment program per physician instructions; clarify physician treatment instructions as needed; confer with physicians and medical staff on patient care issues
3. Complete patients evaluation, re-evaluations, progress notes, daily notes and discharge summaries in a timely and compliant manner, following guidelines established by ARA / ARTS
4. Bill patients/insurance companies according to established procedures, and rectifies billing issues with Business Office staff
5. Educate patients and family in proper care and use of home instructions and exercise programs
6. Attend required meetings and in-services
7. Participate in professional development activities and maintain professional affiliations and licensure
8. Supervise the PT aides as needed
9. Other duties and tasks as assigned by the Director/Assistant Director of Rehabilitation
10. Perform periodic internal documentation audits (as directed by the Director/Assistant Director of Rehabilitation or Executive Director)

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Basic computer skills
2. Knowledge of the principles, practices, standards, and techniques of physical therapy
3. Knowledge of patient insurance verification procedures
4. Knowledge of medical terminology
5. Knowledge of the State of Maryland PT regulations (Title 10.38) defining the role of the PT and the Guidelines Summary for PTs (DC regulations when appropriate – Title 17.67)
6. Knowledge of medical equipment and instruments; Knowledge of how to use and maintain physical therapy equipment
7. Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment
8. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, other staff, and the public
9. Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing
10. Skill in writing reports, preparing correspondence, and keeping patient care records
11. Ability to make good use of body mechanics and follow safety regulations
12. Skill in identifying and recommending problem resolution
13. Other Duties as Assigned: The assignment of duties to employees is not limited to the content of this job description. Other tasks and assignments may be related to the work usually assigned to the employee, but in some circumstances may be completely unrelated.

COMPLIANCE:

1. Follow requirements of certification and licensure mandated by the state in which they are practicing
2. Follow compliance requirements mandated by HFCA, Medicare and all other ARA contracted carriers; This should include a working knowledge of the accountability of others within the practice as well
3. Knowledge of financial and coding practices necessary to ensure the accurate submission of charges for services rendered in accordance with all federal, state and local regulations
4. Knowledge of all applicable regulations regarding billing and collection activities
5. Follow guidelines for maintaining patient confidentiality
6. Demonstrate a strong commitment to honest and responsible corporate conduct
7. Identify, report and/or prevent any fraudulent or unethical behavior
8. Initiate notification to management if inappropriate behavior is observed within the organization
9. Follow electronic security protocols including not using company computers for non-business purposes and not using cell phones during work hours

HIPAA-Minimum Necessary Access to PHI

The responsibilities associated with this position allow access to the computer “role” of PT/OAC only.

We are committed to enforcing minimum-necessary access to our patients’ PHI by limiting the uses and disclosures of this information within our practice. In order for this employee to carry out his/her TPO (treatment, payment, and healthcare operations) in a manner that best serves our patients, the employee needs access the aforementioned computer “role”. Role descriptions are explicitly defined in our HIPAA manual. Access to computer information is password protected. Upon termination of an employee, his/her password will be deleted from the system.

EDUCATION:   Entry-level degree in physical therapy from an accredited institution

EXPERIENCE:   Minimum of clinical internships in physical therapy

CERTIFICATE/LICENSE:   Physical therapy license in the state in which one practices

ALTERNATIVE TO MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:   None

DISCLAIMER:

The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the general nature and level of the job.