Advanced Practice Provider (APP) – Rheumatology

Title: Advanced Practice Provider (APP) – Rheumatology 

FLSA Status: Exempt 

Reports To: Rheumatology Medical Director 

Position Summary:  

The Advanced Practice Provider (APP) in Rheumatology at Summit Rheumatology plays a vital role in the clinical team by providing comprehensive care to patients with rheumatologic conditions. This role requires a combination of clinical expertise in rheumatology, patient-centered care, and the ability to collaborate effectively with the multidisciplinary team. The APP is responsible for assessing, diagnosing, managing, and educating patients with a variety of musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases, ensuring high-quality care throughout their treatment journey.  

Reasonable Accommodation Statement 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed below satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Job Duties 

Patient Assessments and Diagnosis:  

• Perform comprehensive evaluations, including history-taking, physical exams, and diagnostic testing, for patients presenting with rheumatologic concerns. 
• Diagnose and manage a variety of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, and spondyloarthropathies. 
• Review and interpret lab results, imaging studies, and other diagnostic tests to inform patient care plans. 

Treatment and Care Planning:  

• Develop, implement, and manage individualized treatment plans in collaboration with the attending rheumatologists and other members of the healthcare team. 
• Prescribe medications, including disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, and corticosteroids, in accordance with evidence-based guidelines. 
• Monitor the effectiveness of treatments and adjust plans as necessary based on patient response and side effects. 

Procedural Support:  

• Perform procedures such as joint injections, aspirations, and musculoskeletal ultrasound as appropriate, following established guidelines and protocols. 
• Assist in coordinating advanced imaging or referrals for specialized procedures when needed. 

Patient Education:  

• Provide clear, comprehensive education to patients regarding their diagnosis, treatment options, lifestyle changes, and self-management strategies. 
• Empower patients by offering guidance on disease progression, managing symptoms, and making informed choices about treatment options. 

Chronic Disease Management:  

• Monitor and manage long-term follow-up for patients with chronic rheumatologic conditions, ensuring appropriate screening and preventative care. 
• Address flare-ups and complications promptly, adjusting management plans as needed. 

Collaboration and Teamwork:  

• Work closely with rheumatologists, nurses, medical assistants, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers to coordinate patient care. 
• Participate in regular team meetings and case reviews to discuss complex cases and provide input on patient management strategies. 

Care Coordination:  

• Act as a liaison between patients and other specialists, ensuring comprehensive care for conditions that may require multidisciplinary input (e.g., cardiology, dermatology). 
• Coordinate care transitions for patients requiring hospitalizations or urgent care interventions. 

Electronic Health Record (EHR) Management:  

• Document all patient encounters thoroughly and accurately in the clinic’s EHR system, ensuring compliance with legal, clinical, and organizational standards. 
• Review and update treatment plans, medication lists, and clinical notes in a timely manner to ensure continuity of care.  

Compliance and Quality Assurance:  

• Adhere to all clinical guidelines, protocols, and regulations established by Summit Rheumatology and relevant healthcare authorities. 
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, including patient satisfaction surveys, clinical audits, and evidence-based practice reviews. 

Professional Development and Education:  

• Stay up-to-date with the latest advances in rheumatology, including emerging therapies, diagnostic techniques, and treatment guidelines. 
• Attend professional conferences, continuing medical education (CME) activities, and workshops as part of ongoing professional development. 

Mentorship and Peer Support:  

• Serve as a resource for less experienced APPs or clinical staff, offering guidance and support on complex cases and best practices. 
• Contribute to team knowledge by sharing insights from personal learning or continuing education experiences. 

Competency Statements:  

• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to explain complex medical concepts to patients and their families. Ability to foster positive working relationships with team members, patients, and other healthcare professionals. 
• Electronic Health Record (EHR) Proficiency: Accurately documents all patient encounters, treatment plans, and follow-up recommendations in compliance with clinical and organizational standards.
• Mentorship & Team Development: Supports and educates less experienced Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) and clinical staff, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
• Patient-Centered Communication: Provides clear, empathetic education to patients and caregivers regarding diagnoses, treatment options, and self-management strategies.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in using electronic health record (EHR) systems, with an emphasis on maintaining accurate and up-to-date patient documentation. Comfort utilizing advanced diagnostic tools (e.g., lab testing, imaging) and interpreting results. 
• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Strong clinical judgment with the ability to manage complex, multi-system conditions and respond to evolving patient needs. Capable of working autonomously, managing a diverse patient caseload, and escalating issues to the medical director when appropriate. 

Work Environment 

This role operates in an outpatient clinic environment. This role routinely uses standard office and medical equipment such as computers, printers, fax machines, phones, copiers, infusion pumps, IVs, etc.. 

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.