Physical Therapy Assistant

• Pay or shift range: $20 USD to $30 USD

Description

Position Summary / Scope of responsibility

The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics LLC (CAO) is one of the nation’s largest Orthopaedics practices, owned and operated by physicians, with over 60 locations across Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the District of Columbia. With approximately 2,000 employees working in 28 divisions, CAO is a growing business with revenues of approximately $250 million. CAO is committed to be the Orthopaedic care provider of choice for our patients; partner of choice for payors and health systems; and employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce.

We offer a dynamic, collaborative environment where therapists and physicians work together to provide excellent patient care. With over 250 therapists, CAO provides opportunities for clinical growth as well as career advancement. CAO has excellent benefits including a focus on therapist continuing education such as:

• Quarterly webinars featuring CAO physicians and therapists.
• Medbridge subscription including video HEPs and online CEU.
• CAO hosted in person continuing education courses.
• A generous continuing education budget for personalized courses and content.

The Physical Therapy Assistant administers necessary physical therapy treatment as directed and determined by the Physical Therapist after the Physical Therapist has performed a comprehensive evaluation and established a plan of care. The purpose of this treatment is to help restore function, relieve pain, and prevent further disability. The Physical Therapist Assistant performs these responsibilities only under the direction and supervision of the Physical Therapist.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provides direct patient care 100% of work time, including required documentation in patients’ medical records.
• Performs and documents tests and measurements appropriate for the given condition, including strength, range of motion, sensory perception, functional capacity, and respiratory and circulatory efficiency.
• Administers treatment within the scope of physical therapy practice only as directed by the Physical Therapist and as appropriate for the patient’s condition to decrease pain, increase range of motion and strength, and promote function; interventions may include modalities, therapeutic procedures, manual therapy, written home exercise programs.
• Provides ongoing communication with the supervising Physical Therapist regarding patient’s progress and implements changes in the treatment plan only as directed by the Physical Therapist.
• Meets or exceeds CAO productivity standards as provided by the respective CAO therapy practice.
• Documents treatments, responses, progress, and outcomes in the chart according to federal, state regulations, and CAO requirements.
• Documents and selects appropriate CPT codes, correlating to treatment administered, and submits billing charges as directed consistent with the level of care provided.
• Abides by all insurance guidelines required for coverage and reimbursement, coordinating care with current authorizations, referrals, and treatment plans.
• Works collaboratively with other medical providers to benefit patient recovery and ensure successful outcomes.
• Actively participates in the Therapy team, including staff meetings, CAO sponsored events, webinars, in‑services, and departmental meetings.
• Assists with the smooth running of the clinic, including variations in scheduled hours and staffing at another CAO location.
• Administers treatment in accordance with all compliance regulations and CAO best practices.
• May be required to work a minimum of two evening shifts per week and occasional Saturdays depending on practice operating hours.
• Obtains necessary CEUs and other state‑specific requirements to maintain Physical Therapy Assistant license and other required certifications.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships

The Physical Therapy Assistant reports directly to the Practice Administrator. This role does not have direct reports.

Required Education and Experience

• A degree from an accredited Physical Therapy Assistant program.
• State licensure as a Physical Therapist Assistant in the state where the Physical Therapist Assistant will be practicing.
• CPR for Healthcare Providers certification.
• Experience and proficiency working with computers and electronic medical records.

Competencies / Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to develop relationships and collaborate in a decentralized organization.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment with a proven track record of results.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with excellent self‑discipline and patience.
• Proficiency in Windows‑based office technologies (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Thorough knowledge of CPT & ICD‑10 coding procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of Medicare and third‑party billing.
• Thorough knowledge of Workers Compensation insurance and its unique features and requirements.
• Ability to work independently.
• Professional presentation and demeanor.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, understanding, and communicating in English.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to sit for long periods of time and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must use appropriate body mechanics when making transfers and helping patients with exercises.
• Requires frequent bending, reaching, repetitive hand movements, standing, walking, squatting, and sitting.
• Some heavy lifting, pushing, and pulling exerted regularly throughout a standard work shift.
• Adequate hearing to perform duties in person and over telephone.
• Requires hand‑eye coordination and manual dexterity needed to operate a keyboard, medical equipment, fax machine, scanner, photocopier, and telephone.
• Must communicate clearly to patients in person and over the telephone.
• Visual acuity adequate to perform job duties, including reading materials from printed sources and computer screens.
• Requires exposure to communicable diseases, bodily fluids, medicinal preparations, and other conditions common to a clinical environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.