Cardiac Device Specialist

Major Responsibilities:

• Responsible for contacting patients in regards to any company recalls thus requiring closer and more frequent monitoring and taking appropriate measures for any further changes in the device that may be required.
• Is knowledgeable of assisting with job duties of all personnel in the department.
• Evaluates, manages and provides support in the delivery of quality clinical care of patients with cardiac pacemakers and automatic internal cardiac defibrillator systems. Demonstrates knowledge of devices, the effects of devices and utilizes critical thinking skills. Very specialized in health care procedures and how electrical medical devices function.
• Performs an independent daily review of remote transmission of the devices implanted within patients. Correlates information with the clinical condition of patients to assist in the management of arrhythmias.
• Responsible for performing interrogations and necessary reprogramming of devices in patients who are scheduled in the office setting, including urgent walk-in appointments, according to type of device, insurance restrictions and patient needs.
• Able to interpret arrhythmias, troubleshoot and reprogram settings of pacemaker / defibrillator according to patient's needs and department protocols.
• Consistently encourage questions from patients and their families and offers guidance that fosters compliance. Provides patient education on all aspects of heart pacing.
• Maintains the computer programmers for patient interrogations
• Work with the patient to ensure that all clinical and remote device check data reports are completed and entered into the device data base
• Reports abnormal findings, patient complaints, or concerns, to physician or supervisor.
• Performs transtelephonic checks on pacemaker patients requiring this mode of follow up due to age / type of pacemaker in between office follow up visits to check basic function and generator battery life status. Provides these reports to physicians.
• Assures the accuracy and completeness of messages. Triages and prioritizes messages, communicating information to providers/patients in a timely manner. Demonstrates triage skills pertinent to determining normal and abnormal conditions. Reviews information regarding the patient's device, health history, medications and all information pertaining to the patient's heart failure status.
• Schedules all transtelephonic checks via EMR system and notifies patients.
• Evaluates and triages pacemaker and defibrillator reports, both routine and those sent with alerts. Completes reports for physician review and interpretation. Requires familiarity with reports and data bases for all pacemaker and defibrillator companies
• Communicates effectively with internal and external customers, transfers calls when appropriate, staying on the line and announcing where and why call was transferred.
• Explains procedures and test results using language appropriate to patient's level of understanding.

• Serves as an advocate and liaison between patients, staff, physicians and external customers by sharing necessary information to ensure continuity of care. Collaborates with other professional disciplines to ensure effective, efficient and safe patient care: Electrophysiologists, Cardiologists, Surgeons, Cardiac Nurses and Device Nurses and device staff in other clinics.

• Documentation

• Provides consistent and accurate documentation of patient information, care and concerns in the EMR according to the guidelines provided in the Documentation Policy and as otherwise instructed.

• Completes and submits all charges generated for device interrogations and remote checks services provided in the device clinic.
• Consistently completes vouchers, referrals and requisitions with all appropriate information including medical record number and services codes or using EMR as needed.
• Completes all patient documentation after care and/or services have been provided according to policy guidelines.

• Documents and alerts manager of any related problems

• Time Management

• Consistently manages time and demonstrates resource management skills effectively to complete daily activities. Consistently watchful of patient flow by keeping rooms clean, stocked and available and maintains adequate inventory.

• Demonstrates flexibility by performing additional duties when and where indicated.

Education/Experience Required:

• High School diploma Bachelor's degree encouraged/preferred 3-5 years clinical cardiovascular experience. Familiar with cardiac devices, such as pacemakers and automatic internal cardiac defibrillator systems.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Good computer and organizational skills. Good communication skills Ability to identify cardiac arrhythmias and abnormalities in devices. Willing to learn pacemaker and defibrillator analysis. Ability to assess, plan and intervene and evaluate the physical, emotional and education needs of patients.
• • Current CPR certification

Physicial Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Must be able to successfully complete clinic-based training for all associates. Ability to work with all levels of personnel. Ability to work under stressful situations. Frequent periods of extended standing and sitting. Possible lifting and assisting of patients, Must be alert and respond immediately to abnormalities and patient condition changes Must be able to meet flexible staffing requirements Ability to make independent decisions and handle STAT situations. Ability to work under stressful conditions and difficult situations.
• If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.