Physical therapist technician job description

Under the direct supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist, performs treatments and provides exercise instruction, demonstration and education for patients at an entry to intermediate skill level. Under general supervision, performs diversified secretarial/clerical duties requiring knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare billing protocols. Provides support for department head and department staff as needed. Assists therapists and/or therapist assistants in preparing patients for therapy, treating patients and gathering supplies.
Duties and Responsibilities:



The following are essential job accountabilities:

1. Carries out a program of exercise and treatment for assigned patients, as determined by evaluation performed by the Physical Therapist.
2. Assists the Physical Therapist during patient testing, evaluations and complex procedures according to the rules and regulations of the APTA and PPTA.
3. Coordinates physical therapy activities in collaboration with the other members of the interdisciplinary team to facilitate achievement of established goals.
4. Ensures compliance with regulations set forth by the regulatory agencies and state governing bodies.
5. Conducts or participates in training medical and nursing personnel in physical therapy techniques and objectives.
6. Utilizes safe patient handling techniques for all patient transfers, lifts and positioning.
7. Complies with PA practice act related to communication with supervising Physical Therapist.
8. Answers telephones, routes callers, takes messages and provides routine information to callers.
9. Greets and registers patients in accordance with established policies and procedures.
10. Schedules patient appointments within established parameters.
11. Performs a variety of billing functions including recording patient information, preparing and submitting patient charge vouchers and processing insurance information.
12. Bills insurance carriers for appropriate payments.
13. Contacts carriers to follow up on balances due.

14. Maintains up-to-date patient accounts.
15. Prepares and maintains records of patient charges.
16. Creates medical records for new patients.
17. Establishes and maintains files and records on an ongoing basis.
18. Schedules meetings, training and other requirements for staff.
19. Enters and/or retrieves data from established computer files using knowledge of various computer software applications.
20. Compiles data for and prepares regularly scheduled or special reports, analyses and statements.
21. Prepares the treatment areas for patient care including: sets up, removes, cleans, appropriately stores, and organizes equipment and supplies including linens. Assists with monitoring of supply stock, informing front office when supplies are low.
22. Monitor temperatures of applicable equipment per policy.
23. Clean hydroculators, ice pack machines, and paraffin baths and document on cleaning logs
24. Assists department in preparation for regulatory surveys, utilizing checklists to ensure compliance.


Qualifications:



Minimum Education: Associate's Degree Graduate of an accredited physical therapist assistant program Req Cert/Registration: Certified Physical Therapist Assistant BLS certification Minimum Experience: Up to 6 months Must possess a valid driver's license in the current state of residence. Driving record must meet requirements established by WellSpan Risk Management. Willing/able to drive in varying weather conditions and in urban/rural settings.