Advanced Practice Provider; APP - Rheumatology

Overview

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities.

Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

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.

M-Th 7am - 5pm

Casa Grande, AZ

• 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:
  Provide and uphold competencies in areas such as communication, EHR proficiency, mentorship, patient-centered communication, technical skills, critical thinking and problem-solving.

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

• Occupational Safety/Health Hazards:
  Office, clinical, blood borne 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.

Full-time, Monday - Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.;
Must be available for on-call needs as required.

• Required:
  • 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
  • Ability to manage complex patients with chronic autoimmune and musculoskeletal conditions

• Familiarity with musculoskeletal ultrasound

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…