Position Summary:

The Physical Therapist provides skilled physical therapy evaluation and treatment to patients in their place of residence under physician orders, in accordance with the individualized plan of care, State and Federal regulations, and accreditation standards. The Physical Therapist is responsible for restoring and maintaining function, reducing pain, preventing disability, and promoting safe mobility and independence.

Skilled Physical Therapy Interventions

• Delivers evidence-based physical therapy interventions appropriate to the patient’s
  • Diagnosis, functional status, age and clinical condition
• Provides, modifies, or discontinues treatment based on ongoing assessment and physician orders.
• Develops and instructs patients and caregivers in individualized home exercise programs.
• Utilizes appropriate pain management strategies, including physical therapy modalities.
• Educates patients and caregivers on:
  • Safe mobility and transfers
  • Pain management strategies
  • Injury prevention and fall risk reduction

Skilled Physical Therapy Interventions

• Communicates changes in patient status promptly to the physician, interdisciplinary team members, and Agency leadership as indicated.
• Coordinates care delivery to support continuity, safety, and optimal outcomes.
• Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings and case conferences per Agency policy.

Patient and Caregiver Education

• Assesses need for durable medical equipment and adaptive devices.
• Recommends and educates on proper use of equipment to promote safety and independence.
• Provides care in a manner that minimizes risk and promotes patient and caregiver safety.

Documentation

• Completes accurate, timely and objective clinical and progress documentation in the EMR, including:
  • Evaluation, visit and progress notes
  • OASIS documentation
  • Discharge summaries
• Completes visit documentation within Agency-defined timeframes.
• Ensures documentation supports skilled need, progress toward goals and compliance with regulations.
• Adheres to all Agency documentation, billing and payroll requirements.

Supervision and Professional Collaboration

• Supervises PTAs in accordance with regulations and Agency policy.
• Participates in orientation, training and in-service education.
• Maintains awareness of community resources to support patient needs and discharge planning.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Evaluation and Assessment

• Performs comprehensive physical therapy evaluations, including OASIS assessments, within required deadlines.
• Synthesizes clinical data to establish skilled need, functional limitations and measurable therapy goals.
• Assesses pain, mobility, strength, balance, endurance and safety risks within the home environment.
• Identifies environmental, functional, and mobility risks and implements appropriate interventions.

Plan of Care Management

• Obtains physician orders for:
  • Certification and recertification
  • Therapy interventions
  • Modifications to the plan of care
• Develops, revises and implements the physical therapy plan of care in collaboration with:
  • Physician
  • Patient and caregiver
  • Interdisciplinary team
• Provides skills justification for initiation, continuation, modification, or discharge of therapy services.