Advanced Practice Provider (APP) - Rheumatology (ID: 2326388)

Optum; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 89,900 - 160,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Equity stock purchase

401(k) contributions

Job summary

UnitedHealth Group in Olympia, WA is seeking an Advanced Practice Provider in Rheumatology to join an outpatient clinical team. The APP will conduct patient assessments, develop treatment plans with rheumatologists, perform joint injections and musculoskeletal ultrasound, and coordinate care across disciplines.

Candidates must hold a master's or doctoral NP/PA, be licensed in the state, and be board-certified.

Qualifications

• Master's or Doctoral degree from an accredited NP/PA program is required.
• Current, unrestricted NP/PA licensure in state of practice.
• Board certification by ANCC or NCCPA or equivalent.
• Advanced knowledge of rheumatologic diseases and treatment options.
• Experience performing joint injections/aspirations.
• Familiarity with musculoskeletal ultrasound.

Responsibilities

• Perform patient assessments, diagnoses, and develop management plans.
• Prescribe medications per guidelines and monitor treatment efficacy.
• Provide procedural support including joint injections and ultrasound.
• Educate patients on diagnosis, treatment options, and self-management.
• Coordinate care across rheumatology team and other providers.

Skills

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

EHR Proficiency

Mentorship & Team Development

Patient-Centered Communication

Technical Skills

Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving

Education

Master's or Doctoral NP/PA degree

Tools

Musculoskeletal ultrasound

Joint injections

Job description

Overview

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.

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.
• 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: Solid clinical judgment and autonomy.

Work Environment

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

Position Type & 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 provides development opportunities and clear direction on succeeding in your role and pursuing other career paths within the organization.

Qualifications - External

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.
• Demonstrated familiarity with musculoskeletal ultrasound.
• Ability to manage complex patients with chronic autoimmune and musculoskeletal conditions.

Occupational Safety/Health Hazards

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

Physical Requirements

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

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range and benefits are commensurate with experience and are subject to eligibility. Comprehensive benefits, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase, and 401(k) contributions are available where eligible. The stated salary range for full-time employment is from $89,900 to $160,600 annually, depending on factors including location and experience.

EEO and Compliance

UnitedHealth Group is an equal employment opportunity employer. We comply with all applicable laws and prohibit discrimination based on race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to a drug-free workplace; candidates are required to pass a drug test before employment.