Physical Therapist Assistant

Overview

Under the direct supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist, performs client treatment programs and activities as prescribed and provides technical assistance regarding therapeutic programs, methods, and equipment, in accordance with Concentra Medical Centers Injury Process Management and philosophy of rehabilitation in occupational medicine.

Clinical Responsibilities

• Assists the Physical Therapist by accepting patients from his/her schedule
• Executes the established treatment plan developed by Physical Therapist
• Documents the actual treatment provided following process management guidelines
• Performs delegated functions in the event the Physical Therapist is not at the clinical site, predicated on the complexity and acuity of the patients' needs
• Contacts the supervising Physical Therapist by telephone should the need arise and clearly documents in the patient's chart the name of the Physical Therapist that authorizes any treatment changes
• Contacts the center's Physician or Physician's Assistant immediately should an emergency or critical event arise
• Ensures that other treating medical professionals have the necessary information to appropriately assess the patient's functional ability
• Documents treatment plans according to guidelines
• Assists the Physical Therapist with providing the referring physician with written objective progress reports for each patient prior to physician recheck dates
• Communicates with all medical providers regarding patients and diagnoses
• Documents the functional activities that each patient performs during treatment sessions
• Discusses each patient's case with the Physical Therapist in which progress remains limited
• Communicates with all therapy patients s/he is personally treating, setting expectations for return-to-work and emphasizing education and motivation
• Develops knowledge of best demonstrated practices and specific quality indicators to measure and improve them
• Coordinates with the Physical Therapist in communicating with employers concerning specific rehabilitation issues of injured employees
• Coordinates with the Physical Therapist to keep missed appointment rates within acceptable ranges

Business / Financial Responsibilities

• Assists the Physical Therapist with evaluation of the capital equipment
• Assists the Physical Therapist with the provision of statistical analysis of the center's therapy performance
• Assists with the establishment and promotion of clear lines of communication between therapy and other center staff members
• Assists the Physical Therapist with tracking and documentation of pre-authorization requirements

Other Responsibilities

• Assists in the training of other Physical Therapist Assistants, Athletic Trainers, and/or Physical Therapy Technicians as requested by the Physical Therapist
• Assists the Physical Therapist in evaluation of the performance of all therapy support staff based at the center
• Assists the Physical Therapist in the determination of whether a disciplined therapy support staff member has successfully corrected the action of focus
• Communicates with the Outcome Assurance Injury Coordinator or the Case Manager for each patient
• Participates in clinical instruction of college or university Physical Therapist Assistant students
• Participates with the Physical Therapists in the evaluation of the effectiveness of the rehabilitation quality management process
• Assists the Physical Therapist in the development and implementation of new and improved rehabilitation quality management processes
• Assists the Physical Therapists with monitoring and ensuring compliance with the rules and regulations
• Develops a working knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and their State Workers' Compensation law
• Assists the Physical Therapist with promotions, support, and conducting of projects and activities that will develop or improve occupational medicine services and overall teamwork within the centers
• Meets with the Physical Therapist or Director of Therapy or the designee on a regular basis to discuss quality of patient care, procedures, records, review of new policies and other issues as indicated
• Participates regularly in professional continuing education
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Degree from an accredited Physical Therapy Assistant program
• Licensed as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in work state
• Previous experience in an orthopedic setting with use of modalities, therapeutic exercises and isokinetic equipment
• Concentra Core Competencies of Service Mentality, Attention to Detail, Sense of Urgency, Initiative and Flexibility
• Ability to make decisions or solve problems by using logic to identify key facts, explore alternatives, and propose quality solutions
• Outstanding customer service skills as well as the ability to deal with people in a manner which shows tact and professionalism
• The ability to properly handle sensitive and confidential information (including HIPAA and PHI) in accordance with federal and state laws and company policies
• Demonstrated willingness to participate in initial and ongoing training as required
• Demonstrated effective communication and interaction with employers, patients, providers and other employees
• Demonstrated ability to maintain working relationship with all levels of employees
• Demonstrated excellent customer service skills
• Demonstrated computer skills
• Must successfully complete orientation and training as well as demonstrate competency in all required physical therapy tasks
• Minimal travel (may include overnight) up to 10%