* * * $10K Sign-On Bonus * * *

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.

Office Hours: M-Th 7am - 5pm

Location: Casa Grande, AZ

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.
Must be available for on-call needs as required

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 - External

Required Qualifications:

Master’s or Doctoral degree from an accredited Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant program by start date
Current, unrestricted licensure as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA) in the state of practice within 90 days of start date
Board certification by a recognized national body (e.g., ANCC, NCCPA) within 90 days of start date
Ability to manage complex patients with chronic autoimmune and musculoskeletal conditions

Preferred Qualification:

Familiarity with musculoskeletal ultrasound
Advanced knowledge of common rheumatologic diseases, including pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment options
Experience performing joint injections and aspirations

Compensation for this specialty generally ranges from $109,500 to $164,000. Total cash compensation includes base pay and bonus and is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience and may increase over time based on productivity and performance in the role. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k 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.

Summit Rheumatology, Optum jobs

Summit Rheumatology - Advanced Practice Provider (APP)