Orthopaedic Technologist

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under direction of the Ortho Tech Supervisor, this position requires a medically trained individual who works under the direction of Orthopaedic Surgeons and in collaboration with other members of the health care team of professionals. Provides care to clients with orthopaedic problems through the application, adjustment and removal of a variety of casts, splints and traction fittings.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Apply, remove and assess the need for change of orthopaedic casts and immobilization devices.
• Measures for and submits authorizations for off-the-shelf and custom knee braces; provides instructions and fits all types of knee braces; submits proper billing.
• Educate patients and families regarding application/wearing of orthopaedic devices.
• Manage, maintain and request supplies & medications for cast and supply rooms to maintain proper clinic inventory.
• Serves as accessible resource for patients with cast problems via telephone and in person.
• Assists with patient transport.
• May set up and assist physician with wound treatment and care.
• Adheres to company policies as described in employment handbook and company work rules.
• Participates in continuing education.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient account information in accordance with HIPAA guidelines and NMOA policy.
• Assist in other areas of the clinic as needed.
• Successfully learn and demonstrate the skills as outlined in the Orthopaedic Technician Training Manual; attested by supervisor signature.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: N/A

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required.

• Ability to understand, read, write and speak English; bi-lingual preferred.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret medical information, technical procedures and/or general business information.
• Ability to effectively present information, respond to questions and professionally interact with physicians, managers, employees, patients, vendors and the general public.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Exhibit understanding of healthcare regulatory and compliance policy (e.g., HIPAA).
• Knowledge of New Mexico Orthopaedics policies and procedures.
• Requires ability to identify and implement opportunities to improve performance of the department.
• Proficient computer skills (including, but not limited to spreadsheets, word documents, Internet and email) required.
• High integrity, including maintenance of confidential information.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule between the hours of 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
• Knowledge of all types of current forms of immobilization.
• Must be detail oriented, able to prioritize assignments and ensure task completion.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, decimals and percentages.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; must have initiative and work well in a team environment.
• Professional demeanor & appearance required.
• Ability to work under pressure with stringent timelines and complete job related tasks in a timely manner.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High School diploma or GED and one year of active clinical medical experience as a Medical Assistant/PCT, Ortho Tech or Certified EMT or an Associates or bachelors degree in the medical field and 6 months related experience.

CERTIFICATIONS:

An Orthopaedic Technologist Certification is required or must be obtained within one year of employment. CPR Certified.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job responsibilities.

Activities include holding, carrying, pushing, transferring, and pulling of objects and people, safely. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit for extended periods of time; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, bend, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must be able to safely lift and/or move a minimum of 50 pounds. Repetitive motion of upper body required for extended use of computer. Requires vision correctable to 20/20 and hearing in the normal range for face-to-face and telephone contacts. Work may be under stressful conditions at times.

Works in well-lit, ventilated and climate controlled clinic environment. Fast-paced medical office environment involving contact and interaction with patients, physicians, and other clinical and clerical personnel. Conditions common to a clinic environment include but are not limited to communicable disease, blood borne pathogens, bodily fluids and toxic substances.

Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

SAFETY SENSITIVE

This position is a safety-sensitive position. The use of marijuana is prohibited. Impairment by drugs or alcohol is also prohibited.