Physical Therapist Assistant PTA, Home Health (40 hrs, Days)

Job Summary:

Provides selected physical therapy procedures to patients and assists in implementing treatment plan. Provides in manner that is consistent with department mission statement and responsive to unique needs of customers (e.g., patient and/or family, referring physician, and payer) including favorable clinical outcomes, quality service and access, and fiscal accountability.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Greets patient. Establishes rapport with patient and/or family.
• Implements designated parts of treatment plan with guidance from appropriate physical therapist, applicable care maps, and clinical protocols. Modifies specific treatment procedure in accordance with changes in patients status within scope of established treatment goals and plan. Communicates changes to physical therapist.
• Consults with physical therapist regarding patients. Documents conferences.
• Assists physical therapists by presenting appropriate cases, as defined by established procedures, at patient conferences.
• Provides direct physical therapy treatment as appropriate including mechanical traction, unattended electrical stimulation, jobst/vasopneumatic devices, paraffin bath, wound care, manual electrical stimulation, iontophoresis, therapeutic exercise, mobility training, massage, group instruction for clinics, follow-up orthotics training, follow-up prosthetics training, functional activities and ADL training, patient and family education, work and hardening.
• Performs measurement procedures and discusses results with physical therapist for their interpretation. Documents changes in patient status, treatment progression, achievement of goals, and need for discharge evaluation. Communicates such to attending physical therapist.
• With prior approval of appropriate physical therapist and guidance of applicable care maps, clinical protocols, and job descriptions, delegates and instructs services to be rendered by physical therapy aide.
• Participates in program development initiatives.
• Exercises positive listening and communication skills and is good team player.
• Participates in problem-solving.
• Demonstrates working knowledge and appropriate application of CPT-4 codes for all services provided. Maintains current knowledge of coding modifications and/or definitions (e.g. attends ongoing coding training sessions).
• Demonstrates evidence of professional growth. Participates in quality improvement activities, patient conferences, meetings, in-services, and rounds, research projects, continuing education courses, staff training and clinical preceptorships with students and volunteers.
• Demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide care and/or service appropriate to age groups served.