Hand Therapist

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 Orthopaedics 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.

The Hand Therapist administers necessary hand rehabilitation as determined through an evaluation process for patients who suffer from injuries, illnesses, or dysfunction of systems including but not limited to the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, central nervous system, cardiovascular and integumentary systems, or other physical, mental, or learning disability. The purpose of this treatment is to help restore function, relieve pain, and prevent further disability such that the patient leads a normal life and can carry out daily activities. The Hand Therapist performs these responsibilities individually or through appropriate delegation to and oversight of support staff.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

1. Provides direct patient care 100% of his/her work time which includes required documentation in patients’ medical records.
2. Conducts comprehensive evaluation to determine appropriate course of care for each patient and follow up treatment as appropriate. Treatment may include only the fabrication and/or distribution of a finger/hand/wrist/elbow and/or shoulder orthotic.
3. 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.
4. Administers hand therapy treatments and monitors such treatment within the scope of occupational/physical therapy practice 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, and written home exercise programs.
5. Meets or exceeds CAO productivity standards as provided by his/her respective CAO Practice.
6. Assesses effects of treatments at various stages, but minimally every 30 days, and adjusts treatment to achieve maximum benefit.
7. Documents treatments, responses, progress, and outcomes in the chart of the patient according to federal and state regulations and CAO requirements.
8. Documents and selects appropriate CPT codes which correlate to treatment administered. Selects codes and submits billing charges in a manner consistent with the amount and level of care for each patient.
9. Abides by all insurance guidelines required for insurance coverage and reimbursement, coordinating care in accordance with current authorizations, referrals, treatment plan, and insurance benefits requirements.
10. Supervises therapist assistants and related therapy support staff during treatments as dictated by his/her state OT/PT Practice Act and federal regulations.
11. Supervises and assists with student observation/clinical rotation, as applicable and according to federal and state regulations.
12. Works in collaboration with, and communicates effectively with, other medical providers for the purpose of benefiting the patient’s recovery and ensuring successful outcomes.
13. Actively participates on the Therapy team, including but not limited to staff meetings, CAO sponsored events, webinars, in-services, and departmental meetings.
14. Assists with the smooth running of the clinic, which may include variations in scheduled hours, as well as staffing at another CAO location.
15. Administers treatment in accordance with all compliance regulations as dictated by federal and state governing bodies and in accordance with CAO best practices.
16. May be required to work a minimum of two evening shifts per week and occasional Saturdays depending on Practice operating hours.
17. Obtains necessary CEUs and other state specific requirements to actively maintain Occupational/Physical Therapy license and other any other required licenses or certifications.
18. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience

• A degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy or Physical Therapy program.
• State licensure as an Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist in the state where the Hand Therapist will be practicing.
• CPR for Healthcare Providers certification.
• Experience and proficiency working with computers and electronic medical records.
• Experience and proficiency fabricating, adjusting, and fitting upper extremity orthoses.

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 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.