Physical Therapy

Physical Therapist

A Physical Therapist is a skilled, registered and licensed professional who evaluates and treats patients referred by a physician. Treatment approaches utilize physical modalities, supervision of physical therapist assistants and/or rehabilitation techs, and/or exercise to relieve pain and/or restore function.

Physical Therapists work with an interdisciplinary team and are responsible for scheduling, evaluating, treating, coordinating and supervising assistants and techs, documenting services provided, participating in staff meetings and identifying potential patients in need of skilled treatment.

Physical therapists perform accurate and timely evaluations on each new patient referred, designing an appropriate plan of care for each patient, with realistic and objective short and long-term goals.

1. Provides patient evaluations within 48 business hours of referral date.
2. Obtains an adequate history and referring diagnosis.
3. Uses appropriate evaluation procedures and tools.
4. Establishes measurable short and long term goals consistent with patient's needs and desires with the end goal of increased functional independence.
5. Provides consistent and appropriate documentation of all services provided.
6. Re-evaluates the patient on an ongoing basis and adapts the treatment program as needed.
7. Notifies physician of patient status and obtains approval for continued treatment.

Physical therapists provide accurate and timely patient records.

1. Completes daily documentation procedures assuring that all services are appropriately accounted for from a clinical and billing perspective.
2. Documents significant changes in patient progress as a result of treatment and appropriate steps to modify treatment plan if needed.
3. Documents equipment provided, home programs and handouts given to the patient.
4. Documents all communication with physicians and POA concerning patient's status.

Physical therapists demonstrate skill in the use and proper choice of physical therapy techniques and treats patients effectively with good response.

1. Maintains and enhances patient dignity and modesty during treatment.
2. Shows appropriate therapist-patient rapport explaining the treatments and discussing the reasons for physical therapy with patient, etc.
3. Follows accepted precautions and contraindications for treatment.
4. Utilizes appropriate therapeutic techniques.
5. Shows awareness of discharge plans and patient home setting with regard to treatment.
6. Shows skill in treatment planning for diagnosis requiring coordination between disciplines.
7. Terminates patient's services when maximum functional benefit from treatment has occurred.

Physical therapists communicate with others maintaining a professional attitude to assure quality care.

1. Contacts physicians as needed to clarify diagnosis or orders, change treatment, or discharge.
2. Consults patient's POA, nurses, social workers, occupational and speech therapists, and physicians as appropriate to determine an effective discharge plan.
3. Notifies facility personnel and family as to use of equipment.
4. Attends patient related meetings in accordance with facility policy.

Physical therapists demonstrate knowledge of insurance guidelines as related to applicable rehabilitation services.

Physical therapists perform all other duties and functions necessary for the maintenance of efficient, economic and quality operation of the department.

1. Projects and maintains a professional appearance.
2. Makes suggestions for department improvement and assists in development of these as appropriate.
3. Demonstrates leadership qualities utilizing support personnel where appropriate to perform activities not requiring a licensed physical therapist.

Physical therapists provide clinical supervision as requested to Physical Therapy Assistants and Rehabilitation Techs.

Physical therapists must be able to lift 35 pounds. Safe moving, lifting or transferring of patients is required. They must be able to stand for extended periods of time. They must demonstrate appropriate and applicable fine motor skills. They must demonstrate adequate visual acuity for safety with patient interaction.

Physical therapists must be a graduate of an accredited physical therapy curriculum.

Physical therapists must be licensed in the state practicing by the Board of Physical Therapy and provide an acceptable Criminal Background Check.