Orthotist-Prosthetist

This position functions as part of the VISN 20 Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service primarily in the Orthotic & Prosthetic Clinical Service. The Prosthetics and Sensory Aides Service Line in VISN 20 is unique in that it is a fully integrated system at the VISN level. Although our staff are assigned to specific primary duty stations at the facility level, our staff are not employed by that facility and rather work for the VISN.

The Orthotist- Prosthetist duties include but are not limited to:

• Communicates and interacts with physicians, allied health professionals, patients, and caregivers in various interdisciplinary clinical settings, rehabilitation medicine, orthopedics, neurosurgery, vascular care, podiatry, oncology, etc. as a subject matter expert to develop the orthotic and/or prosthetic treatment plan. The work includes complex patient analysis in accordance with established procedures for patients with unusual conditions, multiple complex conditions, interrelated conditions, etc.; assessment of the patient for indications/ contraindications and discussion of the assessment with the physician / requesting provider for the purpose of developing the overall treatment plan with considerable influence in the development of that plan; consideration of new and emerging technologies in designing unique or innovative devices to accommodate or treat a wide range of complex medical conditions which include unusual problems or complications. The orthotist-prosthetist at this level is expected to recognize physical abnormalities, deviations, and complicating conditions with potentially life threatening implications.
• Advanced knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, physics, and etiology of diseases as well as knowledge of psychology and age related competencies.
• Conduct clinical patient analysis such as gait, range of motion, life-style, etc. for patients with a wide range of complex medical conditions which include unusual problems or complications, and will design unique devices to accommodate those conditions.
• Responsible for a patient load, and will complete all required documentation including VISTA, CPRS, encounters, OWLS, and other requirements as they evolve. This may also include stock posting items delivered for inventory control, managing lab equipment inventory, placing orders using established procedures for patient specific needs, quote review from outside vendors, etc. to ensure seamless care.
• Review and triage orthotic prosthetic consults and prosthetics requests daily and communicate with scheduling team as to which patients to schedule in-house vs. those to be sent to outside commercial vendors.
• Perform the necessary procedures to provide custom devices to patients as prescribed by the physician. This may include but is not limited to: casting, digitizing, scanning, positive model preparation and modification, selecting appropriate materials and components, thermoforming, trimming, assembling devices, evaluating workmanship and fabrication performed by outside central fabrication facilities, ensuring structural safety and manufacturer recommendations are followed for final delivery to patients.
• Provide ongoing care and periodic evaluation to assure, maintain, and document optimal fit and function of prostheses, orthoses, soft goods, inserts, shoes, and compression devices provided to patients.
• Provide oversight of fitters and/ or technicians as assigned based on certification requirements. Orthotist- Prosthetists may be called upon to provide educational in-services to physician groups such as podiatry, primary care, PMRS, orthopedics, etc. or other groups as assigned.
• Adheres to established policies and procedures in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations as well as professional and ethical guidelines (e.g. FDA, ADA, OSHA, MSDS, ABC and BOC) and personnel policies and procedures including benefits, training, incentives, staff recognition, and regular performance appraisals.
• Adheres to all policies and procedure regarding patient care, rights and privacy. They will demonstrate proper documentation of patient history and financial records by using established record-keeping techniques to verify patient care and other pertinent information.
• Treatment of all amputation levels including upper limb, hip disarticulation levels.
• Serve as an advisor to physicians, therapists and other medical professionals with regard to indications and contraindications of prosthetic and orthotic componentry, prescription criteria.
• Maintains as a continuous liaison with manufacturers and dealers of prosthetic supplies, inspecting their facilities and services and participating in the award of prosthetic appliance contracts.