Physical Therapist, VNHSC

General Summary of Duties: The provision of physical therapy to patients in their homes under written orders from qualified physicians according to established Agency policies and procedures.

Supervision Received: Reports directly to Clinical Manager.

Supervision Exercised: None.

Typical Physical Demands: Requires full range of body motion.  Requires ability to perform heavy work*.  Requires balance skills.  Requires ability to ascend/descend stairs.  Requires ability to perform floor-to-stand transfers.  Requires ability to kneel and sit for extended periods.  Requires ability to lift, transfer, and perform gait training on all surfaces with patients.  Requires ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds.  Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range.  Requires working under stressful conditions.  Requires limited exposure to communicable diseases.

Typical Work Conditions: Work is performed in patients' homes and in an office environment.

1.   C4, F4    Admits/readmits patients and provides physical therapy to patients in their homes in compliance with Agency policies and State and Federal Regulations, incorporating the following:

a)   A complete physical assessment.

b)   Develops and implements an appropriate care plan and therapeutic goals with the patient/family.  Arranges for provision of assistive equipment.

c)   Evaluation of patient safety on a 24-hour basis.

d)   Exercises appropriate clinical judgment in coordination of patient care by all services involved.

e)   Ongoing evaluation of significant changes in the condition of the patient and of progress toward the therapeutic goals.

f)   Use of Agency and community consultants/resources.

g)   Instruction of patient/family in procedures or responsibilities they are assuming and optimum wellness practices.

h)      Planning for the patient's discharge from service.

2.   C4, F4    Establishes and maintains case mix weight, utilization, patient satisfaction that aligns with industry standards and Agency operational objectives for quality care:

a)   OASIS documentation correlates with the Plan of Care.

b)   Uses recommended OASIS assessment techniques 100% of the time.

c)   OASIS, documentation, and Plan of Care correlate to 95%.

 3.  C4, F4     Documents all services provided in the clinical record in accordance with State and Federal Regulations and Agency policy:

a)   Documentation, including activities and mileage, if appropriate, is exported within 36 hours of visit.

b)   Obtains physician verbal/written orders and complies with all reporting requirements.

c)   Participates in coordination of care with physicians and with other disciplines as appropriate.

4.   C4, F3    Manages work assignment in effective and efficient manner:

a)   Upon receipt of referral, makes phone contact with client and makes first home visit according to Agency policy.

b)   Remains flexible in daily planning allowing time for emergencies or unexpected visits.

c)   Reports any cases to Clinical Manager where goals cannot be met or at risk situations exist and responds appropriately.

d)     Maintains required productivity expectation as established by the Agency.

e)      Utilizes interdisciplinary approach, attending team meetings and informing primary nurse of client's progress/status with therapy.

f)       Delegates appropriate tasks to Home Care Aide.  Orients and supervises Home Care Aide in accordance with State and Federal regulations and Agency policy.

g)      Participates in the development of the interdisciplinary team Plan of Care on hospice patients, when appropriate.

h)      Utilizes payer sources correctly, reflecting changing levels of care.

i)        Delegates patient care responsibilities to Physical Therapy Assistant as appropriate.

j)        Demonstrates an understanding of the principles of case management.

k)      Demonstrates ability to manage cost and quality.

5.   C3, F1     Develops and maintains sufficient professional skills and credentials to meet the needs

             of patient care:

                    a)   Attends a minimum of 12 hours of in-service per year to include mandated annual      in-services.

b)   Participates actively in self-appraisal and the formation of a plan of self-development.

c)   Adheres to Agency Corporate Compliance Plan and HIPAA Privacy Plan as per written agreement.

d)   Seeks appropriate clinical input to ensure appropriate patient care.

e)   Projects professional image through attitude and compliance with dress code.

f)   Capable of precepting new Therapists and students.

g)   Functions as a team member with consideration to all staff.

h)   Provides Agency with current copy of professional license.

i)   Maintains CPR certification.

Ancillary Duties:

1.   C3, F1    Performs other duties as necessary as assigned by the Clinical Manager:

a)   Agency committees as requested.

b)   Special Agency or community programs during and/or after regular hours.

c)   Student supervision as indicated.

d)   Abides by agency weekend/holiday schedule for therapists.

HIPAA and Privacy:  Properly direct any complaints and/or grievances as indicated per VNHSC policy.  Comply with HIPAA regulations, specifically the Privacy and Security Rules.  Protect personal health information (PHI), electronic personal health information (EPHI) and financial information by limiting the use and disclosure of health information and financial information to the minimum amount necessary with only those who must know how to get the job done.  Follow the department's specific policies and procedures to protect health information.  Help one another to ensure confidentiality at all times. 

Knowledge, Skills and Requirements: Knowledge of current APTA guidelines and standards.  Knowledge of Agency policy, regulations, and procedures to administer patient care.  Knowledge of current modalities and medical equipment relevant to patient care.  Skill in identifying patient problems and recommending solutions.  Skill in documentation in clinical records.  Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients/families, physicians, co-workers, and the community.  Ability to communicate clearly.  Possesses adequate transportation to carry out job requirements.  Must show proof of satisfactory automobile insurance with minimum coverage to be determined by Agency policy when using automobile for transportation.  Possession of an individual malpractice insurance policy.  Willingness to provide service in any part of agency geographic area, according to agency need.

Education: Bachelor of Science Degree in physical therapy from an APTA approved program.