Physical Therapist

Evaluate, plan and implement physical therapy treatment programs for referred patients in order to restore function, prevent disability, reduce pain, and return the patient to his/her maximum function. Follow The Christ Hospital and department approved policies related to documentation, attendance, education, etc. Show respect and courtesy to all staff, patients, and visitors.

Responsibilities

1. Patient Evaluation:

a. Selects appropriate therapeutic assessment tools including a minimum of observation, ROM, functional strength, and palpation, and documents findings objectively and appropriately.

b. Develops individualized treatment programs consistent with patient diagnosis, status, and goals.   Treatment plan is recorded in flowsheet for assistive personnel before first follow-up visit.

c. Establishes goals/plan of care that includes realistic and measurable goals in relation to the patient’s functional goals, diagnosis, prognosis, learning ability of the patient/caregiver, physical/mental status, and anticipated lifestyle. 

d. Completes evaluations according to departmental policy. 

e. Evaluates for needed equipment and follow-up, if indicated.

f. Completes plan of care and faxes to MD, when required, before first follow-up visit.                        

2. Reassessment:

a. Records Pain Analogue Score every visit

b. Records objective measurements minimum of every eighth visit including but not limited to ROM, MMT, girth measurements, functional assessment, special tests, gait analysis, etc.

c. Updates and/or revises goals a minimum of every eighth visit, or indicates goals are still appropriate, based on objective measures.

d. Completes and sends physician update to referring practitioner at least once every 10th visit or 30 days as required by Medicare.

3.   Treatment:

a. Implements the treatment plan in collaboration with the treatment team. 

b. Appropriate leadership and supervision of supportive/assistive staff and interns.

c. Adheres to department safety standards and completes incident report as indicated. 

d. Develops appropriate treatment programs to progress toward goals and progresses programs appropriately. Documents progression appropriately on flowsheet. 

e. Revises treatment program as needed to continue progression toward goals. Discharges patient to Home Exercise Program if progress toward goals is not documented.

f. Counsels patients and families regarding evaluation results, treatment plans/goals, proper body mechanics, and home exercises, and completes patient-family education record.

g. Utilizes updated treatment techniques as evidenced by continuing education record and peer review. 

h. Aware of and accommodating to walk-ins throughout the day. 

i. May include application of topical drugs according to State Practice Act and treatment of pelvic disorders.

4. Documentation:

a. Meets documentation benchmark of 95% on audits for department and 95% or greater for Medicare requirements.

b. Completes all patient related documentation, including encounter forms, accurately and in a timely manner.  

c. Handwriting is neat and legible.  Uses approved abbreviations per chart audits.

d. Complies with all The Christ Hospital, department and regulatory standards and guidelines. 

e. Documents progression of exercise program on flow sheet including resistance, repetitions, time and position, and indicates skilled care.

f. Completes progress notes prior to patient’s visit with the physician.

5. Professional Development:

a. Participates in department’s performance improvement programs. 

b. Participates on performance improvement initiatives by fully assisting in the collection of data i.e., satisfaction surveys/outcome surveys or measures and as assigned. 

c. Able to articulate outcomes and improvements for department and organization. 

d. Participates in educational in-services/opportunities to advance clinical knowledge/competencies.

e. Completes mandatory education per the Christ Hospital/department/state requirements per educational record.  

f. Active participation in mentoring of fellow associates and orientation of new employees and interns as indicated.

g. Participates in PT and PTA intern clinical programs and assists in providing a learning atmosphere for interns. 

h. Participates in community service activities associated with the department and organization, such as screenings and community lectures.

i. Maintains positive working atmosphere and professional image per peer review. 

j. Participates in activities to promote the profession of Physical Therapy.

6. Productivity/Department Management:

a. Clinician attains productivity benchmark as established at beginning of fiscal year.

b. Demonstrate good time management skills by making productive use of downtime:

• Documentation is complete and up-to-date.
• Involved in maintaining adequate inventory of supplies. 
• Proactive with cleaning and organization of clinic and staff office per cleaning logs. 
• Notifies clinical engineering or other appropriate personnel for maintenance and repair of equipment. 
• Makes marketing visits to area physicians per marketing log.

c. Demonstrates understanding of the revenue cycle as it pertains to clinicians by accurate and timely completion of encounter forms, copying and including treatment notes for BWC and MVA encounters.

d. Completes clerical requests for additional information in a timely manner.

e. Uses The Christ Hospital information services appropriately. 

f. Promotes a positive atmosphere per peer and manager reviews.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Please describe any specialized knowledge or skills, which are REQUIRED to perform the position duties.  Do not personalize the job description, credentials, or knowledge and skills based on the current associate.  List any special education required for this position.

EDUCATION: Degree in physical therapy from approved APTA school

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: Prefer one year outpatient experience, will consider new grad

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE: Customer service and interpersonal skills

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS:

Licensed to practice Physical Therapy.

CPR certified.