Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist)

Physical Therapist Pain Clinical Specialist

The Physical Therapist Pain Clinical Specialist functions as a core team member of the multidisciplinary team for the purpose of providing total health care delivery to the patient and continuity of care by sharing ideas and exchanging pertinent information. As a member of the treatment team the Physical Therapist Pain Clinical Specialist maintains a working relationship with medical and allied health specialists to coordinate patient treatment to affect maximum rehabilitation potential. The therapist participates in ward rounds with ward physicians and other members of the treatment team. The therapist explains and discusses both theoretical and practical aspects of physical therapy treatment and therapeutic techniques with various groups within the medical center.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Interprets the prescriptions requesting physical therapy using specialized skills and medical knowledge in the evaluation of the patient's medical condition.
• Evaluates, Assesses, Differentially Diagnoses and Treats patients who utilize physical therapy as primary point of entry into medical care through direct access or self-referral. Demonstrates the knowledge and expertise to provide referral to other primary providers and specialists when examination/treatment suggest red flags (non-neuromusculoskeletal pain/impairment generators), or patient is not responding to clinical course of care. Demonstrates the ability to clinically solve problems and follow clinical prediction rules to help make referral for additional diagnostic testing. Documents care in medical record for correspondence between therapist and patient's medical team.
• Evaluates the patients' present functional levels and disabilities. Ages of patients served at this facility range from the young adult (ages 18-39), middle-aged patient (ages 40-64), to the elderly or geriatric patient (ages 65-80+). There is great variance in the developmental needs of these patients. Every effort will be made to modify treatment in response to these variances so that optimal care can be provided for each patient referred to in-physical medicine and rehabilitation services.
• Assesses the need for home equipment and orders or devises the necessary equipment to ensure optimal functioning in the home environment. This includes conducting visits to the home to make recommendations and take measurements and work directly with the patients and/or family members for safe use of equipment.

Pain Specialist Assignments

• Carry out general duty assignments but primarily serves as a subject matter expert in the specialty area at least 25% of the time, not to exceed 75% of duty time.
• Independently solves complex problems, demonstrates expert clinical practice skills in providing assessment and treatment across the continuum of care for the pain population.
• Utilizes acquired advanced knowledge, training, expertise to adapt and modify treatment plans, activities, and interventions to meet the changing needs, goals, and performance of patients.
• Provides in-service and clinical training programs in pain management. This would include regularly updating the PT staff on pertinent pain management or specialized treatment approaches during the weekly in-services and/or PM&RS staff meetings. These individuals would also be responsible for providing education regarding physical therapy practice to medical residents, students and Fellows that rotate through the Medical Center.

Documentation

• Documents clearly and concisely the physical findings noted during the evaluations as well as changes in medical status via progress notes. A therapist at this level will be able to document appropriately to support the level of care provided. This includes understanding and practicing documentation and coding practices to maximize reimbursement potential.
• Accurately maintains documentation in keeping with PM&R service-level and hospital-wide policies.
• Maintains a high level of professional competence through participation in continuing education such as attending workshops and conferences, and through continuous review of medical-therapeutic literature.
• Contributes to the maintenance of a safe, therapeutic environment in all clinical areas assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 000000

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized