Physical Therapist - Orthopaedic Specialists PC

 PHYSICAL THERAPIST JOB DESCRIPTION 

I. MAIN FUNCTION

To provide purposeful, goal-oriented professional services in the evaluation, problem identification, and/or treatment of persons whose function is impaired by physical disease, injury or post-operative status,  emotional disorder, congenital or developmental disability, or the aging process. Appropriate assessment of the accompanying pain and skeletal movement restrictions as well as emotional factors associated with same will be made.  Care plans will then be designed and implemented to as best possible provide restorative therapy in pursuit of needed tolerance and independent capacities for work and other activities of daily living.

II. REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

Reports to the associate director and/or, as seemed necessary, other corporate officers assigned to the supervision of this service center.

III. RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

1.  Plans and administers medially prescribed physical therapy treatment for patients suffering from injuries to or diseased of muscle., nerve, joint or bone in order to restore function, relieve pain, and prevent, as possible, long-term disability.   Reviews physician’s referral (prescription) and patient’s condition in conjunction with available medical records and/or referring specialist to thereafter design and implement an appropriate physical therapy care plan.

2.  Tests and measures patient’s strength, motor development, sensory perception, functional capacity and respiratory and circulatory efficiency and records findings to develop or revise treatment program.

3. Plans and prepares written treatment program based on evaluation of patient data.

4. Administers manual exercise to improve and maintain function.

5.  Instructs, motivates, and assists patient to perform various physical activities such as self-directed therapeutic exercises, ambulatory functional activities, daily living activities, and in the proper use of assistance and supportive devices such as crutches, canes, orthotics and prostheses.

6.  Administers treatments involving application of physical agents using equipment such as whirlpool baths, moist packs, vasopneumatic devices, paraffin bath, mechanical and manual traction, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound machines.

7.  Evaluates effects of treatment at various stages and adjusts treatments to achieve maximum benefit.

8.  Administers manual therapy applying knowledge of specific techniques as educational competence.

9. Administers traction to relieve pain associated with spinal or extremity joint motion restrictions using traction equipment or manual mobilization techniques.

10. Record, treatment, response and progress in patient’s chart or enters information into computer.

11.  Instructs patient and family inn treatment procedures to be continued at home.

12.  Evaluates, fits and adjusts prosthetic and orthotic devices and recommends modification to Orthotist or Prosthetist as appropriate.

13.  Confers with physician and other practitioners to obtain additional patient information, suggest revisions in treatment program and integrate physical therapy treatment with other aspects of patient’s comprehensive health care.

14.  Orients, instructs and directs work activities of physical therapy assistants, aides, and students.

15. May plan and conduct lectures and training programs on physical therapy and related topics for medical, staff, and community groups.

16.  May plan and develop physical therapy research programs and participate in conduction research in association with accredited educational centers.

17.  May write technical articles and reports for publications.

18. May teach physical therapy techniques and procedures in education institutions when so requested as appropriate to the therapist’s professional credentials.

19. May limit treatment to specific patient group or disability and/or specialize in conducting occupational therapy research as determined by the contractual agreement with the employer.

20. In facilities where physical therapist assistants are also employed, may primarily administer complex treatment, such as certain types of manual exercises and functional training and monitor administration of other treatments according to supervision policies required by state licensure authority.

21.   May plan, direct and coordinate physical therapy program and be designated “Director, Physical/ occupational Therapy”.

22. Must comply with state requirement(s) for licensure.

23.  Supervises physical therapy students as needed.

24.  Safeguards protected health information and uses or discloses only as authorized by supervisor.

25.  Conducts oral discussions of personal health information with other staff or with patients and family members in a manner that limits the possibility of inadvertent disclosures.

26. Completes privacy training.

27.  Reports suspected violations of a business associates’ contractual obligations to safeguard protected health information and reports suspected violation of the privacy policies and procedures as outlined in the Privacy and Security Policy and Procedures Manual.

28.  A skills inventory has been completed with documentation of each primary area of work skill required by each employee.  See attached copy of the inventory and orientation checklist marked exhibit “A”

29.  May be required to assist Medical staff with don/doff splints, casts, etc.

30.  May be involved with Medical Doctor clinics to improve patient satisfaction and outcome.

IV. QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate of an accredited physical therapy program; successful completion of APTA Certification examination for Physical Therapist

Licensed as and physical therapist in the states of Iowa and/or Illinois