DME Technician

Position Summary/Scope of Responsibility

The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics LLC (CAO) is one of the nation’s largest Orthopaedics practices, owned and operated by physicians, with over 60 locations across Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the District of Columbia.  With approximately 2,000 employees, working in 28 Divisions, CAO is a growing business with revenues of approximately $250 Million. CAO is committed to be the Orthopaedics provider of choice for our patients; partner of choice for payors and health systems; and employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce.

The DME Technician is responsible for the clinic’s durable medical equipment. The DME Technician selects and orders the appropriate equipment needed while ensuring delivery and proper functionality. Responsible for training use of equipment as needed.

Duties include, but are not limites to:

1. Orders all clinical supplies and equipment in a timely manner under the supervision of the assigned clinical supervisor.
2. Exhibits strong customer service skills in daily interaction with the public, patients, staff, and physicians in the performance of job duties.
3. Fits patients with all braces, ambulatory aids, and splints.
4. Ensures all surgical patients have the required DME before their date of surgery by contacting pre-surgical patients and arranging for the measurement and dispensing of the ordered DME.
5. Trains patients in the application, removal, and care of the dispensed DME. Reinforcing patient education regarding body mechanics and limitations.
6. Maintains computerized inventory of DME at assigned location(s) and coordinates inventory ordering.
7. Maintains awareness of changing regulations affecting DME documentation and ensures all DME staff are kept informed of any process changes.
8. Casting and splinting patients as ordered.
9. Develops and maintains relationships and communication with equipment representatives to ensure the practice receives the best possible pricing and equipment. 
10. Monitors, cleans, and sterilizes equipment daily.
11. Provides support to professional staff in the evaluation and treatment of patients.
12. Stocks examination rooms with equipment, supplies, and other necessities. Ensuring orderliness of the examination/treatment rooms and clinical area.
13. Utilizes computer software programs, as needed, to communicate and understand patient needs (i.e., scheduling, EMR, inventory, etc.)
14. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• DME Certification preferred.
• Experience with applying and removing casts preferred.
• Experience in the administration of injection techniques, fitting of braces, boots, and splints.
• One (1) year experience physician’s office or equivalent combination of training and experience required.

Competencies/Required Skills & Abilities

• Strong Interpersonal Skills - Ability to develop relationships and collaborate in a decentralized organization.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment with a proven track record of results.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with excellent self-discipline and patience.
• Required to be proficient in Windows based office technologies (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Thorough knowledge of Medical Terminology and EHR systems.
• Able to work independently.
• Exudes professionalism in presentation.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in the English language.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to sit for long periods of time and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to use appropriate body mechanics when making necessary transfers and helping patients with exercises.
• Requires frequent bending, reaching, repetitive hand movements, standing, walking, squatting, and sitting.
• Some heavy lifting, pushing, and pulling exerted regularly throughout a standard work shift.
• Adequate hearing to perform duties in person and over telephone.
• Requires hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity needed to operate a keyboard, medical equipment, fax machine, scanner, photocopier, and telephone. 
• Must be able to communicate clearly to patients in person and over the telephone.
• Visual acuity adequate to perform job duties, including reading materials from printed sources and computer screens.
• Requires exposure to communicable diseases, bodily fluids, medicinal preparations, and other conditions common to a clinical environment.