Casting/DME Technician

Job Description

The Casting/DME Technician is responsible for the application and removal of casts (simple & complex), orthopedic splints, and durable medical equipment (DME). This position has a significant amount of patient contact and is involved in the assessment of patients of all ages. The Casting/DME Technician follows proper casting protocols, splinting protocols, and DME protocols outlined by the provider. This position requires the ability to communicate effectively with the provider and patient/family while maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality. Technicians are responsible for application, modification, repair, and fitting of a wide variety of casts, splints, and braces. Casting activities include: application and removal of upper and lower extremity casts, from simple to complex, utilizing a variety of materials; application and removal of splints and DME; removal of sutures and staples; and performing basic wound care. The Technician will also assist in stocking and ordering supplies; assist with specialty programs; assist with cold therapy units; assist in clinical pods when necessary; and obtain insurance verification/prior authorization for certain DME supplies.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

APPLICATION

Application of casts, splints, or DME using a variety of materials including plaster and synthetic casting materials. Technician must communicate effectively with both providers and patients. Technician must be able to perform duties independently, with minimal to no supervision. This includes, but is not limited to:

· Applies appropriate cast/splint/DME per physician order using appropriate casting/splint material with correct joint position outlined by provider.

· Molds cast to maintain appropriate position while providing appropriate comfort and protection to avoid unnecessary pressures.

· Ability to trim/modify the cast to ensure comfort and fit with cast saw and/or cast spreader.

· Ability to accurately respond to provider and patient questions. Provide documentation and patient education related to cast or splinting.

· Applies, molds, modifies/customizes splinting per patient needs outlined by provider.

· Accurately obtains measurements from patient as necessary for custom bracing.

· Applies and adjusts orthopedic DME for proper fit, placement, and comfort for patient.

· Adjusts hinged DME to proper placement outlined by provider.

· Fits patient and instructs on use of ambulatory supplies such as crutches, canes, & knee walkers.

· Communicates with patients to arrange cold therapy (or any other specialty DME/therapies) rental or purchase. Communicating with vendors when necessary for delivery to patient.

· Obtains proper paperwork for all DME. (Medical necessity forms, ABN forms, etc.)

· Instructs patient on use of all DME to ensure a full understanding prior to leaving the clinic.

· Ensures knowledge of assigned tasks and asks questions when uncertain.

SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE

· Demonstrates best practices for infection control, sterilization techniques, and following universal precautions.

· Demonstrates compliance with current guidelines for safety and hazard management.

· Maintains appropriate inventory levels for medical supplies and DME. Monitors pricing and quality. Assists with stocking and ordering.

· Maintains cast room tools and equipment. Reports defective equipment to supervisor.

CLINIC TEAM MEMBER

· Communicates effectively with patients/families and the clinic team in a manner that promotes positive working relationships.

· Communicates effectively with patients/families and provides a general understanding of patient’s medical diagnosis (outlined by provider) with risks, benefits, possible complications of cast, splint, and DME.

· Communicates effectively with patients/families the purpose of their treatment (outlined by provider) and proper instruction on cast, splint, DME care.

· Obtains insurance verification/prior authorization and obtains out of pocket responsibility for patient.

· Communicates effectively with patients/families expected out of pocket cost for cast, splint, and DME when necessary.

· Acts with professionalism and courtesy and understands how interactions impact a patient, guest or fellow employee’s opinion of the practice, whether it be negative or positive. Superior service is always a top priority.

· Independently make decisions and resolve issues pertaining to clinic functions and patient care to facilitate a superior patient experience

· Demonstrates proficiency in use of the EMR for appointment scheduling, visit processing, order entry, charge entry, documentation of patient care and retrieval of information.

· Facilitates the coordination of patient services within the clinic and other departments

· Prepares/maintains medical records and x-rays for healthcare providers including ordering, chart prep for visit, tracking, filing, and faxing/copying when appropriate. Review records before visit to ensure needed information is present and requested tests are ordered.

· Assists in clinics, as directed, in response to staffing shortages.

· Assists in developing and revising DME policies, procedures, and programs.

· Participates in HIPAA and OSHA activities to meet Clinic Service Standards and other improvements.

PERSONAL ATTIBUTES - PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT -CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

· Shows initiative and dependability.

· Displays good judgement.

· Cooperates and is flexible.

· Follows appropriate dress code presenting a professional image and uses correct grammar.

· Completes required annual training programs: Safety, Fire, CPR, etc.

· Recognizes and prioritizes the need for continued growth by attending staff development programs and workshops. Maintains up to date credentials.

DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS

Education Minimum: High School diploma or equivalent

Preferred: Educational courses related to casting/DME

Work Experience Minimum: Prior experience as a Casting Technician, Medical Assistant, Orthopedic Surgical Technician or other related profession.

Preferred Licenses & Certifications: CPR, CCMA, OTC

Minimum Preferred Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

· Knowledge of orthopedic devices and their usage, fracture casting techniques

· Knowledge of proper wound care with casting/splinting/DME

· Effective written and oral communication skills

· Ability to work as a team member

· Self-motivated, but open to instruction and new ideas

· Familiarity or ability to learn with medical terminology

· Knowledge of and ability to implement aseptic techniques

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical Demand Level: MEDIUM

Ability to frequently lift/and or carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds

Reasonable accommodation may be made available for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.Company Description

Busy Orthopedic practice with multiple locations, 15 doctors and a host of mid-levels.

Full-time