Physical Therapist (Clinical Specialist)- Orthopedics

Job Title

Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

The Orthopedic Clinical Specialist assigned to Primary Care has responsibility for program development and program continuity in the area of Primary Care serving as a musculoskeletal expert. The physical therapist spends the majority of his/her time working in the Primary Care clinic area performing direct access Orthopedic examinations and treatment in as well as helps guide Veteran care for musculoskeletal complaints requiring communication and coordination to/with several other disciplines in addition to the PACT team.

This individual demonstrates treatment competency that qualifies him/her to perform patient treatment procedures on Veterans with acute and chronic musculoskeletal complaints prior to being seen by their Primary Care provider or Specialist, i.e. Orthopedist or Neurologist.

Establish goals, discharge plans, and referrals to other specialties based on evaluation findings and planning with the treatment team, patient, family, and/or significant other.

Develops and carries out physical therapy treatments as indicated to meet the patients rehabilitation objectives of decreasing pain and rapidly improving function. Conducts treatment interventions one on one with patients in PACT. Appropriately coordinates with PACT provider and triages patients to outpatient rehabilitation or CHOICE for additional rehabilitation visits as needed.

Assess the need for other services and refers as necessary based on subjective and objective evaluation, medical history and response to treatments if performed.

Assess the need for and the patient's ability to use adaptive equipment required to increase the patient's function, independence and safety. As necessary, orders the appropriate equipment, issues it to patients, and trains them in the proper use of the device(s) in the PACT environment.

Independently solves problems and helps determine diagnosis not covered by the manuals, assists with triage to radiology and specialty clinics, adapts and modifies treatment plans, activities and procedures, without supervisory guidance, to meet complex and challenging needs of the patients evaluated in PACT.

As an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist in musculoskeletal dysfunction, expertise is essential in examination of the orthopedic patient with knowledge required for all aspects of these complex impairments. This includes not only musculoskeletal limitations, but also other associated multisystem dysfunction that may result in referral to non orthopedic specialists. A thorough understanding of psychological changes associated with acute and chronic pain and loss of functional skills and abilities is also required.

Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm

Situational (Ad Hoc)

623-52356-A

Not Authorized

Not Authorized