Advanced Practice Provider (APP) - Rheumatology

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 talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity 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.

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: 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 & 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.

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, reaching outward
• Occasional reaching above shoulder, climbing, squatting/kneeling/bending, lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling (up to 50+ lbs.)

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 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. The salary for this role will range from $89,900 to $160,600 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.