Orthopedic Technician I - Orthopedic Surgery

Position Summary

Functions as an assistant to physicians and staff in the application, maintenance, and removal of splints, casts and other orthopedic medical devices. Cleans instruments and cast rooms as per Environmental Health and Safety regulations.

This is a float position. As a float, you may be scheduled at any clinic location based on operational needs, including:

• BWCH
• Progress West (PW)
• CSCC South County (CSCC SC)
• CAM South County
• CSCC West
• Orthopedic Center (OC)
• CAM
• St. Louis Children’s Hospital (SLCH)
• WashU Medicine Orthopedics St. Charles
• Missouri Baptist

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Performs splinting and casting under the direction of an orthopedic physician or resident.
• Removes casts with care.
• Performs direct and indirect patient care activities within the scope of practice of an orthopedic technologist, i.e. assisting with dressing changes, suture and staple removal, etc.
• Documents the care administered into electronic medical records.
• Prepares exam rooms and monitors physician schedules as necessary.
• Assists the Medical Assistants in clinical areas, by preparing charts, x-rays and exam rooms when necessary.
• Adjusts canes, walkers, crutches, and give ambulation instructions.
• Requests prior authorizations, communicates with patients regarding price to see if they want us to order the product and the status of their order.
• Knows where to find the insurance grid regarding Durable Medical Equipment (DME) items that are covered by insurance and when pre-authorizations are needed.
• Cleans and organizes the cast room so that supplies are stocked and ready for use.
• Ensures that the end of day checklist is reviewed, and all tasks are completed before leaving for the day.
• Schedules Durable Medical Equipment (DME) appointments when necessary.
• Checks email multiple times throughout the day for updates to the orthopedic technicians' schedule that may impact the location reporting to the following day.
• Educates patients on proper cast care.
• Performs pre-surgical education on some medical appliances and equipment.
• Applies, adjusts, measures and educates patients on medical appliances and equipment.
• Performs other tasks as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Job Location/Working Conditions:

• Clinical office setting with some pressure caused by adherence to patient/physician schedule.
• May have to travel between offices.
• Lifting patients and equipment is a regular part of the job.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent high school certification or combination of education and/or experience.

Certifications/Professional Licenses:

The list below may include all acceptable certifications, professional licenses and issuers. More than one credential, certification or professional license may be required depending on the role. Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) - American Heart Association, Basic Life Support - American Heart Association, Basic Life Support - American Red Cross

Work Experience:

No specific work experience is required for this position.

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Required Qualifications:

• Basic Life Support certification must be obtained within one month of hire date.
• Basic Life Support certification (Online BLS certifications, those without a skills assessment component, are not sufficient to meet the BLS requirements).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Related work experience or training as an Orthopedic Technologist, Medical Assistant, Cast Technician or Certified Athletic Trainer.

Preferred Qualifications

Work Experience:

Casting (1 Year), Orthopedic (1 Year)

Skills:

Ambulation, Athletic Training, Chart Preparation, Clinical Supplies Management, Communication, Confidentiality, Continued Learning, Electronic Medical Records (EMR), Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA), Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Medical Care, Orthopedics, Orthopedic Splints, Patient Lifting Equipment, Professional Etiquette, Staple Removal, Suture Removal, Telephone Communications, Workplace Organization

Grade

C05-H

Salary Range

$16.40 - $23.70 / Hourly