Advanced Practice Provider (APP) - Rheumatology (ID: 2326387)

Optum; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 107,723 - 193,315; Full time

Job summary

UnitedHealth Group's Advanced Practice Provider in Rheumatology is a full-time, outpatient role delivering comprehensive care to patients with autoimmune and musculoskeletal diseases. You will assess, diagnose, and manage cases in collaboration with rheumatologists and a multidisciplinary team.

The position emphasizes joint injections, musculoskeletal ultrasound, EHR documentation, and patient education, with a competitive salary and benefits. Office hours are weekdays in an outpatient setting.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Doctoral degree from an accredited Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant program.
• Current, unrestricted licensure as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA) in the state of practice.
• Board certification by a recognized national body (e.g., ANCC, NCCPA).
• Advanced knowledge of common rheumatologic diseases, including pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment options.
• Experience performing joint injections and aspirations.
• Familiarity with musculoskeletal ultrasound.
• Ability to manage complex patients with chronic autoimmune and musculoskeletal conditions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct patient assessments, diagnoses, and manage conditions.
• Develop and manage individualized treatment plans with rheumatologists and the team.
• Prescribe medications (DMARDs, biologics, corticosteroids) per guidelines.
• Perform joint injections and musculoskeletal ultrasound.
• Coordinate care with specialists and other providers.
• Document encounters accurately in the EHR and update plans.
• Ensure adherence to guidelines and participate in quality initiatives.
• Mentor and educate other APP staff and clinicians.

Skills

NP/PA licensure

Rheumatology knowledge

Musculoskeletal ultrasound

Joint injections

Clinical assessment

Education

NP/PA degree

Job description

Advanced Practice Provider (APP) in Rheumatology

The Advanced Practice Provider (APP) in Rheumatology is a key member of the clinical team, delivering comprehensive care to patients with rheumatologic conditions. This role combines clinical expertise, patient-centered care, and effective collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. The APP is responsible for assessing, diagnosing, managing, and educating patients with musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases, ensuring high-quality care throughout their treatment journey.

Primary Responsibilities

Patient Assessments and Diagnosis

• Conduct thorough evaluations, including history-taking, physical exams, and diagnostic testing.
• Diagnose and manage conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, and spondyloarthropathies.
• Review and interpret lab results, imaging, and other diagnostic tests.

Treatment and Care Planning

• Develop and manage individualized treatment plans in collaboration with rheumatologists and the healthcare team.
• Prescribe medications (DMARDs, biologics, corticosteroids) per evidence-based guidelines.
• Monitor treatment effectiveness and adjust plans as needed.

Procedural Support

• Perform joint injections, aspirations, and musculoskeletal ultrasound as appropriate.
• Coordinate advanced imaging or referrals for specialized procedures.

Patient Education

• Provide clear education on diagnosis, treatment options, lifestyle changes, and self-management.
• Empower patients to manage symptoms and make informed treatment choices.

Chronic Disease Management

• Oversee long-term follow-up for chronic rheumatologic conditions, ensuring screening and preventative care.
• Address flare-ups and complications promptly.

Collaboration and Teamwork

• Work closely with rheumatologists, nurses, medical assistants, physical therapists, and other providers.
• Participate in team meetings and case reviews.

Care Coordination

• Liaise between patients and specialists for multidisciplinary care.
• Coordinate care transitions for hospitalizations or urgent interventions.

Electronic Health Record (EHR) Management

• Document patient encounters accurately in the EHR system.
• Update treatment plans, medication lists, and clinical notes in a timely manner.

Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Adhere to clinical guidelines, protocols, and regulations.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives.

Professional Development and Education

• Stay current with advances in rheumatology.
• Attend conferences, CME activities, and workshops.

Mentorship and Peer Support

• Support and educate less experienced APPs and clinical staff.
• Share insights from ongoing learning.

Competency Statements

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Ability to explain complex medical concepts and foster positive relationships.
• EHR Proficiency: Accurate documentation and compliance with standards.
• Mentorship & Team Development: Support for less experienced staff.
• Patient-Centered Communication: Clear, empathetic education for patients and caregivers.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with EHR systems and advanced diagnostic tools.
• Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Strong clinical judgment and autonomy.

Work Environment

• Outpatient clinic setting.
• Use of standard office and medical equipment (computers, printers, phones, infusion pumps, IVs, etc.).

Occupational Safety/Health Hazards

• Office, clinical, bloodborne pathogen, warehouse, biomedical, and personal safety hazards.

Physical Requirements

• Mostly sedentary; frequent standing, walking, sitting, reaching outward.
• Occasional reaching above shoulder, climbing, squatting/kneeling/bending, lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling (up to 50+ lbs.).

Position Type & Expected Hours

Full-time, Monday-Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Master’s or Doctoral degree from an accredited Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant program.
• Current, unrestricted licensure as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA) in the state of practice.
• Board certification by a recognized national body (e.g., ANCC, NCCPA).
• Advanced knowledge of common rheumatologic diseases, including pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment options.
• Experience performing joint injections and aspirations.
• Familiarity with musculoskeletal ultrasound.
• Ability to manage complex patients with chronic autoimmune and musculoskeletal conditions.

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401(k) contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $107,723.20 to $193,315.20 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone—of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income—deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes—an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug‑free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.