Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

MedVanta•Rockville, MD

About The Position

The Physical Therapist Assistant administers physical therapy treatment as directed and determined by a Physical Therapist after the therapist has completed a comprehensive evaluation and established a plan of care. Treatment is intended to restore function, relieve pain, and prevent further disability. The assistant performs these duties only under the direction and supervision of a Physical Therapist. The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics LLC (CAO) is a physician-owned and operated orthopaedics practice with more than 60 locations across Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the District of Columbia. The organization has approximately 2,000 employees across 28 divisions and more than 250 therapists. CAO describes its environment as dynamic and collaborative, with therapists and physicians working together to provide patient care and opportunities for clinical growth and career advancement. The role provides direct patient care and related documentation, communicates patient progress to the supervising Physical Therapist, and works with other medical providers and the therapy team. The assistant is accountable to the Therapy Site Manager/Director and has no direct reports.

Requirements

Degree from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program.
State licensure as a Physical Therapist Assistant in the state where the employee will practice.
CPR for Healthcare Providers certification.
Experience and proficiency working with computers and electronic medical records.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships and collaborate in a decentralized organization.
Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment, with a demonstrated track record of results.
Strong oral and written communication skills, self-discipline, and patience.
Proficiency with Windows-based office technologies, such as Word and Excel.
Thorough knowledge of CPT and ICD-10 coding procedures.
Thorough knowledge of Medicare and third-party billing.
Thorough knowledge of Workers’ Compensation insurance and its requirements.
Ability to work independently and present professionally.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English.
Ability to sit for long periods and lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to use appropriate body mechanics when performing transfers and assisting patients with exercises.
Ability to frequently bend, reach, perform repetitive hand movements, stand, walk, squat, and sit; regularly exert effort in heavy lifting, pushing, and pulling during a standard work shift.
Adequate hearing to perform duties in person and over the telephone.
Hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to operate a keyboard, medical equipment, fax machine, scanner, photocopier, and telephone.
Ability to communicate clearly with patients in person and over the telephone.
Visual acuity adequate to perform job duties, including reading printed materials and computer screens.
Ability to work in a clinical environment with exposure to communicable diseases, bodily fluids, medicinal preparations, and other common clinical conditions.

Responsibilities

Provide direct patient care throughout work time, including required documentation in patients’ medical records.
Perform and document tests and measurements appropriate to the patient’s condition, potentially including strength, range of motion, sensory perception, functional capacity, and respiratory and circulatory efficiency.
Administer physical therapy treatments within the scope of practice, as directed by the Physical Therapist and appropriate to the patient’s condition. Treatments may include modalities, therapeutic procedures, manual therapy, and written home exercise programs.
Communicate with the supervising Physical Therapist about patient progress or lack of progress, and implement treatment-plan changes only as directed by the Physical Therapist.
Meet or exceed the productivity standards of the applicable CAO therapy practice.
Document treatments, responses, progress, and outcomes in patient charts in accordance with federal and state regulations and CAO requirements.
Select appropriate CPT codes and submit billing charges as directed by the Physical Therapist, consistent with the treatment provided and level of care.
Follow insurance guidelines and coordinate care in accordance with authorizations, referrals, treatment plans, and insurance benefit requirements.
Collaborate and communicate effectively with other medical providers to support patient recovery and outcomes.
Participate in the Therapy team, including staff meetings, CAO-sponsored events, webinars, in-services, and departmental meetings.
Help ensure smooth clinic operations, which may involve variations in scheduled hours or staffing at another CAO location.
Administer treatment in accordance with applicable compliance regulations and CAO best practices.
Obtain necessary continuing education units and meet state-specific requirements to maintain the Physical Therapist Assistant license and any other required licenses or certifications.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Work a minimum of two evening shifts per week and occasional Saturdays when required by the practice’s operating hours.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options
401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions
Paid time off
Paid holidays
Employer-paid life insurance for full-time employees
Voluntary supplemental benefits, including disability and additional coverage options
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Continuing education support, including quarterly webinars, a Medbridge subscription with video home exercise programs and online CEUs, CAO-hosted in-person courses, and a continuing education budget for personalized courses and content