"Physical Therapist"

Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury. Under the supervision of the Chief of Physical Therapy, the physical therapist performs evaluations and treatments for Harvard students, HUGHP members, and Medicare patients. The physical therapist maintains patient confidentiality and professionalism, complies with HIPAA guidelines, and is an integral part of the HUHS Physical Therapy team.

Clinical Expertise:

• Patient Evaluation: Selects and performs the appropriate assessment procedures based on acceptable practice standards including history, mental status, objective tests and functional status.
• Determines PT diagnosis and prognosis.
• Formulates assessment using clinical reasoning skills.
• Establishes a formal plan of care to address individualized patient needs.
• Writes goals in functional terms that are specific, timely and measurable.
• Provides treatment based on patient goals, considering barriers, contraindications/precautions and psychosocial factors.
• Demonstrates knowledge and competency in manual treatment, modalities (e.g., hydrocollator, ultrasound, electrical stimulation), blood flow restriction training, therapeutic exercise, and gym equipment within the scope of PT licensure.
• Documents patient response to treatment and progress toward goals.
• Re-evaluates patients at least every 10th visit or before 90 days.
• Provides effective instruction to the patient and family through standardized educational programs and individualized training.
• Documents patient education and home exercise program using MedBridge program.
• Completes discharge plan based on initial assessment and current status.
• Designs and fabricates splints with good fit for a variety of patient conditions based on physician request.

Practice Management:

• Utilizes Lean principles in problem solving. Actively identifies areas to problem solve and collaborates with the team on developing creative solutions.
• Maintains access and availability. Manages own provider schedules by filling available open slots and group classes from the patient cancellation list.
• Returns patient and clinician secure messages, emails, or phone calls in a timely manner.
• Communicates with physicians and other providers as needed to coordinate patient care.
• Collaborates with the orthopedic department and other providers concerning patient conditions.
• Assists in meeting all standards for maintaining AAAHC accreditation in physical therapy.
• Participates in yearly peer audit chart reviews.
• Maintains infection control policies and follows prescribed procedures for universal precautions, disposal of hazardous waste, and maintenance of a clean environment.
• Understands the department and facility fire, safety, and evacuation procedures.

Professional/Team Workplace Accountability:

• Maintains patient confidentiality and is compliant with HIPAA privacy rules.
• Participates in HUHS committees/departments/programs.
• Arrives to work on time and prepared for patient care.
• Maintains professional conduct and appearance.
• Is actively committed to continuous quality improvement.
• Provides skilled therapy and standardized care using evidence-based practice and following APTA clinical practice guidelines.
• Completes accurate documentation per APTA standards and in a timely manner per HUHS guidelines.
• Bills appropriately per AMA or Medicare guidelines.
• Completes annual competency rating and self-assessment.
• Participates in the evaluation and recruitment of staff.
• Participates in the coordination of the PT student program.
• Understands the expectations for patient care according to the treatment guidelines and professional responsibilities of the department.
• Provides educational in-services to the HUHS PT team.
• Participates in yearly professional development and continuing education.
• Is a member of the APTA.