Rheumatology - Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.Read on to fully understand what this job requires in terms of skills and experience If you are a good match, make an application.The Advanced Practice Provider (APP) in Rheumatology is a key member of the clinical team, delivering comprehensive care to patients with rheumatologic conditions. This role combines clinical expertise, patient-centered care, and effective collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. The APP is responsible for assessing, diagnosing, managing, and educating patients with musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases, ensuring high-quality care throughout their treatment journey.Office Hours: M-Th 7am - 5pmLocation: Casa Grande, AZPrimary Responsibilities:Patient Assessments and DiagnosisConduct thorough evaluations, including history-taking, physical exams, and diagnostic testingDiagnose and manage conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, and spondyloarthropathiesReview and interpret lab results, imaging, and other diagnostic testsTreatment and Care PlanningDevelop and manage individualized treatment plans in collaboration with rheumatologists and the healthcare teamPrescribe medications (DMARDs, biologics, corticosteroids) per evidence-based guidelinesMonitor treatment effectiveness and adjust plans as neededProcedural SupportPerform joint injections, aspirations, and musculoskeletal ultrasound as appropriateCoordinate advanced imaging or referrals for specialized proceduresPatient EducationProvide clear education on diagnosis, treatment options, lifestyle changes, and self-managementEmpower patients to manage symptoms and make informed treatment choicesChronic Disease ManagementOversee long-term follow-up for chronic rheumatologic conditions, ensuring screening and preventative careAddress flare-ups and complications promptlyCollaboration and TeamworkWork closely with rheumatologists, nurses, medical assistants, physical therapists, and other providersParticipate in team meetings and case reviewsCare CoordinationLiaise between patients and specialists for multidisciplinary careCoordinate care transitions for hospitalizations or urgent interventionsElectronic Health Record (EHR) ManagementDocument patient encounters accurately in the EHR systemUpdate treatment plans, medication lists, and clinical notes in a timely mannerCompliance and Quality AssuranceAdhere to clinical guidelines, protocols, and regulationsParticipate in quality improvement initiativesProfessional Development and EducationStay current with advances in rheumatologyAttend conferences, CME activities, and workshopsMentorship and Peer SupportSupport and educate less experienced APPs and clinical staffShare insights from ongoing learningCompetency StatementsCommunication & Interpersonal Skills: Ability to explain complex medical concepts and foster positive relationshipsEHR Proficiency: Accurate documentation and compliance with standardsMentorship & Team Development: Support for less experienced staffPatient-Centered Communication: Clear, empathetic education for patients and caregiversTechnical Skills: Proficiency with EHR systems and advanced diagnostic toolsCritical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Strong clinical judgment and autonomyWork EnvironmentOutpatient clinic setting.Use of standard office and medical equipment (computers, printers, phones, infusion pumps, IVs, etc.)Occupational Safety/Health HazardsOffice, clinical, bloodborne pathogen, warehouse, biomedical, and personal safety hazardsPhysical RequirementsMostly sedentary; frequent standing, walking, sitting, reaching outwardOccasional reaching above shoulder, climbing, squatting/kneeling/bending, lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling (up to 50+ lbs.)Position Type & Expected HoursFull-time, Monday - Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Must be available for on-call needs as requiredYou'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.Required Qualifications:Master's or Doctoral degree from an accredited Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant program by start dateCurrent, unrestricted licensure as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA) in the state of practice within 90 days of start dateBoard certification by a recognized national body (e.g., ANCC, NCCPA) within 90 days of start dateAbility to manage complex patients with chronic autoimmune and musculoskeletal conditionsPost-graduate or previous RN experience in RheumatologyPreferred Qualification: Familiarity with musculoskeletal ultrasoundAdvanced knowledge of common rheumatologic diseases, including pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment optionsExperience performing joint injections and aspirationsCompensation for this specialty generally ranges from $109,500 to $164,000. Total cash compensation includes base pay and bonus and is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience and may increase over time based on productivity and performance in the role. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives.At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone–of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income–deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. xhyhwjd Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.