Cardiac Rehab Coordinator/Exercise Physiologist

Job Summary:

Functioning within East Ohio Regional hospital’s mission, vision, values, objectives, and policies and procedures, the Cardiac Rehab Coordinator/Exercise Physiologist conducts all aspects of the cardiac rehab program. Provides direct care and guidance to patients with cardiovascular disease and those who are at higher risk for developing heart disease throughout the rehab program. Performs age-specific assessments designed to gather data relevant to the patient’s individual needs and abilities and completes the cardiac rehab individual treatment plan. This includes assessment and evaluation of cognitive, social, functional, nutritional and psychological status.

Responsibilities:

• Uses cardiac monitoring to monitor patients, instructs patients on proper use of exercise equipment, adjust exercise prescription as indicated and assesses the patient’s response to exercise.
• Must be proficient in telemetry monitoring.
• Provides education to the patient incorporating knowledge of cardiovascular disease and lifestyle modifications.
• Conducts outpatient Phase 11 cardiac rehab program.
• Responsible for the management of patients from Phase II through maintenance.
• Oversees daily scheduling of patients as well as program demands.
• Knowledgeable with department policies and procedures; thorough knowledge of departmental forms, and protocols.
• Ability to provide proper patient care and education in a variety of settings.
• Responds promptly and skillfully in emergent situations.
• Always maintain code of conduct and professionalism
• Demonstrates empathy and respect for patients by explaining all procedures, providing privacy and allowing patients to express emotional needs.
• Demonstrates ability for conflict resolution when resolving issues with coworkers, patients, and/or visitors.
• Adheres to all infection control guidelines
• Fosters positive interpersonal relations with staff and members of other departments
• Utilizes the chain of command to ensure proper care or resolution of any issues pertaining to the patient’s well-being and safety.
• Exercises independent thinking, judgement, and decision making.
• Accept accountability, responsibility, and consequences for decisions.
• Adapts to constantly changing healthcare environments by recognizing opportunities for improvements and embracing change to bring about improvements
• Demonstrates excellent customer service to both internal and external customers through positive communication, cooperation, professional behavior, displaying of actions that customer service is the primary goal of the institution.
• Competency in working with computerized systems
• Teaches patients and family members about risk factors and appropriate program modification, when deemed necessary, with documentation.
• Independently recognizes and performs duties which need to be done without being directly assigned. Establishes priorities; organizes work and time to meet them.
• Recognizes and responds to priorities, accepts changes and new ideas.
• Has insight into problems and the ability to develop workable alternatives.
• Accepts constructive criticism in a positive manner.
• Adheres to attendance and punctuality requirements per hospital policy. Provides proper notification of absences and tardiness. Takes corrective action ot prevent recurring absences or tardiness.
• Understands and abides by all departmental polices and procedures as well as the Code of Ethics, HIPAA requirements and patient rights.
• Complies with federal, state, local laws that govern business practices. Complies with all Department of Health Services requirements for the State, and CMS standards that apply to that position.
• Is knowledgeable and adheres to JCAHO/CMS standards specific to the position.
• Participates actively in ensuring that all state and federal rules and regulations are followed as they apply to this position.
• Attends all scheduled and mandatory in-services.
• Communicates ideas to supervisor for a safer layout of equipment, tools, and/or processes.
• Observes dress code policy and wears hospital identification as required by our policies and procedures.
• Assure patient charges are placed through the hospital’s information system within 24 hours.
• Maintains the department in a neat, clean and orderly manner, especially in own work area.
• Understands the importance of and actively participates in the continuous quality improvement process to improve daily tasks, duties and responsibilities.
• Communicaiton with physicians and office staff:
• Upon receiving referral, working with physicians and office staff to obtain necessary information pertaining to the patient: office note/PMH, insurance information, necessary clinical data (cardiac procedure reports, EKG).
• Upon discharge, provide physician with outcome reports and discharge status form
• Communicate with physician offices if a patient decides to discontinue the program with use of the status form.
• Communication with insurance companies:
• Verification of coverage and benefits.
• Prior authorizations.
• Work with EORH personnel for financial assistance if the patient qualifies and/or requests assistance.
• Data Entry:
• Meditech
• Documentation of Pre and Post Rehab questionnaires, 6MWT/6MCT, Exercise Rx, Session Documentation, Session Charges.
• Formulating Exercise Rx.
• Organizing Patient binder.
• Scanning of patient information and exercise sessions into Meditech.
• Scheduling initial evaluation and recurring exercise sessions.
• LSI
• Patient sessions reports (Daily)
• Data entry upon program admission.
• Monthly ITP’s.
• Entering pre/post questionnaires.
• Outcome reports.
• Trend reports.
• Archiving patient record upon discharge.
• Entering exercise prescription.
• Maintaining Department Function
• Performing daily QC checks (refrigerator temps, crash cart, glucometer).
• Maintaining exercise equipment and contacting BioMed (work order) for any issues.
• Keeping desks/computers neat and orderly.
• Ordering necessary equipment for daily department function.
• Patient Referrals
• Patient is contacted to obtain interest and discuss the cardiac rehab program.
• If a patient is interested the cardiac rehab coordinator/exercise physiologist will contact the insurance company for benefit verification.
• Patients will be contacted regarding insurance benefits.
• Initial evaluation will be scheduled if the patient is interested and willing to participate.
• Recording information on the contact forms/referral tracking sheet for each referral.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in exercise science is required, Master’s degree and cardiac concentration preferred.
• BLS and ACLS certification is required
• ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist preferred
• 2-3 years in Cardiac Rehab preferred. Demonstrated experience with obtaining prior-authorization and directly dealing with insurance companies to determine patient coverage and financial responsibility strongly preferred.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Must have excellent interpersonal skills as demonstrated by the ability to interact positively with all patients and employees.
• The ability to work with frequent interruptions, under stress, with minimal supervision.
• The ability to exercise initiative and judgment in analyzing, organizing, planning prioritizing, scheduling and coordinating work with others.
• Must also have knowledge of theory, principles, techniques and practice of scientific principles and research. As well as preparation, administration and actions of medications treatments and medical procedures, counseling and teaching techniques, and of medical equipment as it relates to patient care.
• Technical requirements include proficient computer skills, with the ability to operate within a windows environment.
• The ability to operate and handle many kinds of complex equipment.
• The ability to demonstrate clinical competence and maintain current knowledge in caring for adults through geriatric patients.
• Must possess the ability to be autonomous in job duties and speak frequently with physicians to ensure all needs of the department are met.

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting 3-6 hours a day
• Wrist deviation (side to side and up and down) 3-6 hours a day
• Occasionally lift/carry up to 35 pounds
• Occasionally be exposed to hazardous chemicals or infections