RESPIRATORY THERAPIST at Integrated Practice Management LLC – Bakersfield, California

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.

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