Occupational Therapist - Hand + Upper Extremity Focus

Position Summary/Scope of Responsibility

The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics LLC (CAO) is one of the nation’s largest Orthopaedics practices, owned and operated by physicians, with over 60 locations across Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the District of Columbia.  With approximately 2,000 employees, working in 28 Divisions, CAO is a growing business with revenues of approximately $250 Million. CAO is committed to be the Orthopaedics provider of choice for our patients; partner of choice for payors and health systems; and employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce.

The Center’s for Advanced Orhtopaedics is seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Occupational Therapist with a focus on Hand and Upper Extremity Therapy to join our dedicated therapy team. In this role, the Occupational Therapist will administer specialized occupational therapy treatments tailored to individuals with injuries, illnesses, or dysfunction affecting the hand and upper extremities, as well as related systems such as the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, central nervous, cardiovascular, and integumentary systems.

The goal of these treatments is to restore function, relieve pain, and prevent further disability to help patients regain their independence in daily activities and improve their quality of life. The Occupational Therapist will perform these responsibilities either directly or through the appropriate delegation to and oversight of support staff.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Provides direct patient care 100% of the time, including all required documentation in patients’ medical records.
• Conducts comprehensive evaluations to determine appropriate courses of care for each patient. Treatment may include the fabrication and/or distribution of orthotics for the finger, hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder.
• Performs and documents appropriate tests and measurements based on the patient’s condition, which may include assessments of strength, range of motion, sensory perception, functional capacity, and respiratory and circulatory efficiency.
• Administers hand and upper extremity therapy within the scope of occupational therapy to reduce pain, increase range of motion and strength, and promote function. Treatments may include modalities, therapeutic procedures, manual therapy, and written home exercise programs.
• Meets or exceeds CAO productivity standards as provided by their respective division.
• Regularly assesses the effects of treatments, at a minimum every 30 days, and adjusts treatment plans to maximize patient benefit.
• Documents treatments, responses, progress, and outcomes according to federal and state regulations and CAO requirements. Selects appropriate CPT codes, submits billing charges, and ensures accurate billing consistent with the level of care.
• Abides by insurance guidelines required for coverage and reimbursement, coordinating care in line with authorizations, referrals, treatment plans, and insurance benefits.
• Supervises occupational therapy assistants and related support staff during treatments, following state OT Practice Act and federal regulations.
• Supervises and assists with student observation or clinical rotation, as applicable, according to federal and state regulations.
• Works collaboratively and communicates effectively with other medical providers to support patient recovery and achieve successful outcomes.
• Actively participates in the Therapy team, including attending staff meetings, CAO-sponsored events, webinars, in-services, and departmental meetings.
• Assists with the smooth operation of the clinic, including adjustments in scheduled hours and staffing at other CAO locations as needed.
• Administers treatment in compliance with federal and state regulations and in line with CAO best practices.
• May be required to work two evening shifts per week and occasional Saturdays, depending on division operating hours.
• Obtains necessary CEUs and meets state-specific requirements to maintain an active Occupational Therapy license and any other required certifications.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience

• A degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy or Physical Therapy program.
• State licensure as an Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist in the state where the therapist will be practicing.
• CPR for Healthcare Providers certification.
• Experience and proficiency working with computers and electronic medical records.
• Experience and proficiency fabricating, adjusting, and fitting upper extremity orthoses.

Competencies/Required Skills & Abilities

• Strong Interpersonal Skills - Ability to develop relationships and collaborate in a decentralized organization.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment with a proven track record of results.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with excellent self-discipline and patience
• Proficiency in Windows based office technologies (e.g., Word, Excel)
• Knowledge of CPT & ICD-10 coding procedures.
• Able to work independently.
• Exudes professionalism in presentation.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in the English language.

Physical Demands 

• Must be able to sit for long periods of time and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to use appropriate body mechanics when making necessary transfers and helping patients with exercises.
• Requires frequent bending, reaching, repetitive hand movements, standing, walking, squatting, and sitting.
• Some heavy lifting, pushing, and pulling exerted regularly throughout a standard work shift.
• Adequate hearing to perform duties in person and over telephone.
• Requires hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity needed to operate a keyboard, medical equipment, fax machine, scanner, photocopier, and telephone.
• Must be able to communicate clearly to patients in person and over the telephone.
• Visual acuity adequate to perform job duties, including reading materials from printed sources and computer screens.
• Requires exposure to communicable diseases, bodily fluids, medicinal preparations, and other conditions common to a clinical environment.