Physical Therapist Assistant

Job Description

Job 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

The incumbent may be asked to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically stated in this description. The duties and responsibilities of the position are to be carried out in a manner that is consistent with the Mission, Core Values and Operating Principles of CAO.

•    Provides direct patient care 100% of his/her work time which includes required documentation in patients' medical records.
•    Performs and documents tests and measurements appropriate for the given condition which may include strength, range of motion, sensory perception, functional capacity, and respiratory and circulatory efficiency of the patient.
•    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.  These treatments may include but not be limited to therapeutic interventions such as modalities, therapeutic procedures, manual therapy, written home exercise programs.
•    Provides ongoing communication with the supervising Physical Therapist regarding patient's progress and/or lack thereof and discusses and implements changes in the patient's treatment plan only as directed by the Physical Therapist.
•    Meets or exceeds CAO productivity standards as provided by his/her respective CAO therapy Practice.
•    Documents treatments, responses, progress, and outcomes in the chart of the patient according to federal and state regulations and CAO requirements
•    Documents and selects appropriate CPT codes, which correlate to treatment administered and directed by the supervising Physical Therapist. Selects codes and submits billing charges as directed by the Physical Therapist in a manner consistent with the amount and level of care provided for each patient.
•    Abides by all insurance guidelines required for insurance coverage and reimbursement, coordinating care in accordance with current authorizations, referrals, treatment plans and insurance benefits requirements.
•    Works in collaboration with, and communicates effectively with, other medical providers for the purpose of benefiting the patient’s recovery and ensuring successful outcomes.
•    Actively participates in the Therapy team, including but not limited to staff meetings, CAO sponsored events, webinars, in-services, and departmental meetings.
•    Assists with the smooth running of the clinic, which may include variations in scheduled hours, as well as staffing at another CAO location.
•    Administers treatment in accordance with all compliance regulations as dictated by federal and state governing bodies and in accordance with 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 actively maintain Physical Therapy Assistant license and other any other required licenses or certifications.
•    Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education & 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 & 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.
•    Required to be proficient 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.
•    Able to work independently.
•    Exudes professionalism in presentation.
•    Must be able to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in the English language.

  Physical Demands

•    Must be able to sit for long periods of time and lift up to 50 pounds.
•    Must be able to use appropriate body mechanics when making necessary 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 be able to 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.