Physical Therapist Outpatient

Position: Physical Therapist I

Specialization: Outpatient Services with Acute Care Float Capabilities

This role encompasses the delegation of responsibilities to Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides. The activities are centered around patient care and incorporate assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation consistent with established physical therapy standards, physician directives, and applicable regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive evaluations of the patient’s functional status through a combination of formal and informal assessment measures to ascertain skeletal, neurological, respiratory, and cardiovascular health.
• Formulate a targeted treatment regimen tailored to both assessment findings and the patient's capacity to adhere to the prescribed therapeutic plan.
• Document and submit a formal treatment regimen as part of the comprehensive plan of care, in collaboration with the attending physician. Regularly revise the plan as necessary to reflect changes in patient conditions and co-sign verbal orders as warranted.
• Design a treatment schedule that specifies frequency and duration, ensuring clear communication with the patient, family, and/or caregiver while coordinating with clinical support staff.
• Provide education to the patient, family, and/or caregiver regarding the patient’s pathology, treatment alternatives, prognosis, and the underlying rationale for interventions, encompassing rest, exercise, modalities, and other relevant therapies.

Additional Responsibilities

• Ensure supervision of Physical Therapist Assistants, Physical Therapy Aides, Home Health Aides, and students in accordance with affiliate and regulatory regulations.
• Assess and recommend adaptive and supportive equipment based on clinical evaluations, facilitating contact with suppliers and assisting in securing necessary equipment for patient use.
• Accurately document patient and caregiver responses to treatment and any changes in clinical status, adhering to affiliate documentation policies and regulatory standards.
• Execute daily documentation needed for billing processes in compliance with affiliate policies and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Deliver treatment interventions effectively, demonstrating clinical competence to enhance or restore optimal functioning within the designated patient care area.
• Educate patients, families, and caregivers on home exercise programs using relevant and effective pedagogical strategies.
• Maintain clear oral and written communication with all stakeholders, optimizing patient care by collaborating with interdisciplinary team members.
• Foster educational growth and development among staff, students, and other healthcare providers through relevant teaching methodologies.
• Champion process improvement initiatives.
• Contribute to program development and engage actively in team conferences and interdisciplinary meetings as appropriate.
• Advocate for the physical therapy profession.
• Serve as a case manager for designated cases.
• Demonstrate a steadfast commitment to customer service, quality of care, and teamwork.

Certifications and Licensures

• BLS - Basic Life Support: Required within one month of hire or transfer.
• PT - Licensed Physical Therapist.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field.

Experience, Training, and Skills

• Successful completion of new hire competency evaluations.
• Mandatory fingerprinting; costs covered by MyMich.