The Physical Therapy Aide role consists of two main parts. One is the responsibility for the front desk and the other is responsibility to patients and the clinic. Both are outlined below, and candidate will be required to manage each part effectively and have the flexibility to switch back and forth between duties.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Front office Responsibilities:
- Welcomes and greets patients and visitors in person and on the telephone and answering inquiries or referring questions to other staff members.
- Conducts on-line appointment scheduling to optimize patient satisfaction, provider time and most effective use of the practice’s resources.
- Endeavors to keep patients on schedule by reminding provider of service delays.
- Maintains reception area in a neat and orderly condition.
- Performs office activities and functions to maintain efficiency and compliance with company policies.
- Maintains office supplies inventory.
- Maintains records, documentation, and files.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Aide Responsibilities:
- Supports physical therapy care delivery by preparing treatment area, patient, equipment, and materials, and performs procedures under the supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant.
- Prepares treatment room for patient by following prescribed procedures and protocols.
- Prepares patients for physical therapy treatment by welcoming, comforting, providing and/or assisting patient into physical therapy apparel or apertures.
- Provides information to patients by answering questions and requests and allaying fears.
- Helps treat patients by applying heat packs, helping patients onto exercise equipment, monitoring motion, and performing or observing prescribed exercises and strengthening techniques.
- Educates patients by demonstrating proper use of equipment and exercise routines.
- Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.
- Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
- Provides equipment and supplies by sterilizing and delivering equipment and supplies to treatment area, positioning equipment for therapist access, and positioning patient on equipment.
- Ensures operation of physical therapy equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements, following manufacturer’s instructions, troubleshooting malfunctioning equipment, and calling for repairs.
- Maintains physical therapy supply inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level, anticipating needed supplies, placing, and expediting orders for supplies, and verifying receipt of supplies.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Personality and demeanor to deal with the public and assist patients of all ages.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
- Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
- Basic understanding of how to operate standard front office business equipment.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
- Ability to deal professionally, courteously, and efficiently with the public and to remain calm under stress.
- Ability to work effectively as a team player in a diverse work group
- Knowledge of all confidentiality requirements regarding patients and strict maintenance of proper confidentiality on all such information.
- Knowledge of medical terminology, coding, and spelling and office ethics.
- Previous experience with scheduling software.
- Knowledge of coding guidelines; medical terminology; anatomy and physiology
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Education and Experience:
- Equivalent combination of experience, education, and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities.
- High school graduate or equivalent.
- More than two years of experience in an office setting, preferably with supervisory responsibilities in a health care facility is a plus
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.