Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

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

Occupational 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.

A. Occupational 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.

B. Occupational 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.

C. Occupational therapists demonstrate skill in the use and proper choice of occupational 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 occupational 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.

D. Occupational 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, physical 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.

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

F. Occupational 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 occupational therapist.

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

Occupational Demands:

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

Education and Training:

Occupational therapists must be a graduate of an accredited occupational therapy curriculum.

Licensure or Registry Requirements:

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