Advanced Practice Provider; APP - Rheumatology

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Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The Advanced Practice Provider (APP) in Rheumatology is a key member of the clinical team, delivering comprehensive care to patients with rheumatologic conditions. This role combines clinical expertise, patient-centered care, and effective collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. The APP is responsible for assessing, diagnosing, managing, and educating patients with musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases, ensuring high-quality care throughout their treatment journey.

Primary Responsibilities:

Patient Assessments and Diagnosis

• Conduct thorough evaluations, including history-taking, physical exams, and diagnostic testing
• Diagnose and manage conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, and spondyloarthropathies
• Review and interpret lab results, imaging, and other diagnostic tests

Treatment and Care Planning

• Develop and manage individualized treatment plans in collaboration with rheumatologists and the healthcare team
• Prescribe medications (DMARDs, biologics, corticosteroids) per evidence-based guidelines
• Monitor treatment effectiveness and adjust plans as needed

Procedural Support

• Perform joint injections, aspirations, and musculoskeletal ultrasound as appropriate
• Coordinate advanced imaging or referrals for specialized procedures

Patient Education

• Provide clear education on diagnosis, treatment options, lifestyle changes, and self-management
• Empower patients to manage symptoms and make informed treatment choices

Chronic Disease Management

• Oversee long-term follow-up for chronic rheumatologic conditions, ensuring screening and preventative care
• Address flare-ups and complications promptly

Collaboration and Teamwork

• Work closely with rheumatologists, nurses, medical assistants, physical therapists, and other providers
• Participate in team meetings and case reviews

Care Coordination

• Liaise between patients and specialists for multidisciplinary care
• Coordinate care transitions for hospitalizations or urgent interventions

Electronic Health Record (EHR) Management

• Document patient encounters accurately in the EHR system
• Update treatment plans, medication lists, and clinical notes in a timely manner

Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Adhere to clinical guidelines, protocols, and regulations
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives

Professional Development and Education

• Stay current with advances in rheumatology
• Attend conferences, CME activities, and workshops

Mentorship and Peer Support

• Support and educate less experienced APPs and clinical staff
• Share insights from ongoing learning

Competency Statements

• Communication & Interpersonal
  
  Skills:
  
  Ability to explain complex medical concepts and foster positive relationships
• EHR Proficiency:
  Accurate documentation and compliance with standards
• Mentorship & Team Development:
  Support for less experienced staff
• Patient-Centered Communication:
  Clear, empathetic education for patients and caregivers
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficiency with EHR systems and advanced diagnostic tools
• Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving:
  Strong clinical judgment and autonomy

Work Environment

• Outpatient clinic setting.
• Use of standard office and medical equipment (computers, printers, phones, infusion pumps, IVs, etc.)

Occupational Safety/Health Hazards

• Office, clinical, blood borne pathogen, warehouse, biomedical, and personal safety hazards

Physical Requirements

• Mostly sedentary; frequent standing, walking, sitting, reaching outward
• Occasional reaching above shoulder, climbing, squatting/kneeling/bending, lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling (up to 50+ lbs.)

Position Type & Expected Hours

• Full-time, Monday - Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Must be available for on-call needs as required

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's or Doctoral degree from an accredited Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant program
• Current, unrestricted licensure as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA) in the state of practice
• Board certification by a recognized national body (e.g., ANCC, NCCPA)
• Advanced knowledge of common rheumatologic diseases, including pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment options
• Experience performing joint injections and aspirations
• Ability to manage complex patients with…