Physiatrist Duties & Responsibilities
The role and function of a Physiatrist includes the following duties and responsibilities:
- Examining patients that need to undergo physical therapy.
- Diagnosing pain as a result of an injury, disease, or a disabling condition.
- Determining and implementing appropriate treatment plans for patients.
- Recommending and undertaking various medical procedures, such as disc decompression, prolotherapy, and vertebroplasty to treat pain and improve physical functioning.
- Providing adaptive tools to improve the overall health and physical functioning of patients.
- Counseling patients and their families and helping them adapt to lifestyle changes.
- Providing support and advice to patients receiving long-term care.
- Conducting research on injuries, diseases, and disabling conditions in order to improve and advance treatments.
- Leading a team of medical professionals, which may include physical therapists and occupational therapists, in order to optimize patient care.
- Monitoring ongoing progress and health of patients, and changing treatment plans, as necessary.
Note that this is not an exhaustive list of Physiatrist duties and responsibilities. Job functions for specific Physiatrist roles may vary, depending on the industry and type of employer.