RESPIRATORY THERAPIST

Integrated Practice Management LLC Bakersfield, California, United States Medical

About this position

Description:

Premier Valley Medical Group is seeking a dedicated Respiratory Therapist to join our COPD Program. The COPD Program is designed to reduce symptoms and future risks of COPD exacerbations through evidence-based interventions. Our goal is to provide comprehensive, personalized care for high-risk patients with COPD, following the Gold Guidelines and collaborating with patients to determine the most effective therapy.

Requirements:

Responsibilities:

Outreach and Identification:

  • Proactively reach out to new members identified for the COPD Program.

Assessment:

  • Conduct Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT) to assess respiratory function.
  • Complete comprehensive assessments, considering smoking status, exacerbation history, comorbidities, and establish the patient's COPD Grade using the "GOLD Criteria."
  • Validate the most recent Primary Care Physician visit.

Care Planning:

  • Assess COPD Care Gaps and develop personalized Care Plans in collaboration with the patient.
  • Utilize the COPD Zone Tool to guide therapy and review it with the patient.

Treatments and Services:

  • Conduct home visits twice monthly for the first 3 months of patient’s enrollment.
  • Assessing the patient's need for oxygen and/or DME.
  • Educate on Tobacco Cessation (if appropriate)
  • Observe and educate regarding spirometry and inhaler technique.
  • Conduct home assessment.
  • Train patients and their caregivers on proper DME usage and maintenance.

Follow-up and Monitoring:

  • Schedule follow-up appointments with COPD Program based on disease severity, not exceeding every 4 weeks.
  • Conduct telephonic encounters.
  • During home visits, assess the frequency of exacerbations, educate on Tobacco Cessation (if appropriate), and observe and educate regarding spirometry and inhaler technique.

Collaboration with Healthcare Team: 

  • Communicate effectively with other members of the healthcare team, including physicians, nurses, and other therapists, to coordinate comprehensive patient care.

Reporting and Documentation:

  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of assessments, interventions, and patient progress in accordance with regulatory requirements.
  • Document enrollment and disenrollment from the COPD Program.

Time Management: 

  • Efficiently manage time and resources to schedule and complete home visits, telephonic encounters, documentation, etc. ensuring that patients receive timely and effective respiratory care.

Qualifications:

  • Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
  • Experience in COPD management and adherence to Gold Guidelines.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
  • Ability to provide patient education effectively