What are the responsibilities and job description for the Certified OR Technician (CORT) position at Mahaska Health Partnership?
At Mahaska Health the primary function of the Certified Operating Room Technician (CORT) is as a scrub technician, the sterile member of the surgical team who passes instruments, sutures, and sponges during a surgical procedure. The performance of these functions should be according to the experience and scope of the educational preparation of the individual technician and applicable to legal guidelines.
Hours: 3 - 12-hour shifts per week On-call will be required for this position in addition to scheduled hours. Must be able to respond within 20 minutes when on call.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Prepare and know the specific uses of all equipment and supplies used for surgical procedures.
Makes preparation for surgery to include verification of the correct patient (ID band), correct surgery, and correct surgical site.
Differentiate sterilization methods for special equipment and instruments for specific surgical procedures.
Check supplies and equipment needed for surgical procedures, has knowledge of surgical preference.
Performs surgical hand scrub, glove, and set up sterile table with required supplies.
Count items as designated in procedure book.
Assist the surgeon in gowning, gloving, and draping.
Maintain the highest standard of sterile technique.
Anticipates the needs of the surgeon, passing instruments, and provide sterile items in an efficient manner.
Under the supervision of the surgeon, hold retractors or instruments, sponging, suctioning, cutting suture, and applying dressings.
Restock OR at the end of the day for supplies used during cases.
Assist in PACU, Central Supply, etc. as deemed necessary by Department Director.
Prudent use of financial resources and good stewardship in utilizing Mahaska Health supplies and services.
Assist in mentoring and orientation of new personnel to unit.
Understand and apply the principles of asepsis in a knowledgeable manner to provide optimal patient care.
Performs surgical hand scrub, gowning, and gloving technique according to policy/procedure.
Anticipates the surgeon’s needs.
Select appropriate instruments/equipment for specific procedure.
Prepares instruments and supplies quickly and efficiently with regard to sequence of use.
Verifies sterile indicators and dates on fluids/medications.
Assist the surgeon to gown, glove, and drape.
Keeps surgical field neat and clean.
Verification of correct patient, correct surgical procedure, and correct site.
Follows the procedures of appropriate counts, according to AORN guidelines.
Follows AORN recommended guidelines regarding sterile technique and maintains highest standards of sterile technique.
Knowledgeable on surgeon preferences and maintains current preference cards.
Provide a safe and efficient environment for the surgical patient.
Accurately communicates verbal and written instructions.
Performs simple mathematical computation.
Awareness of the patient as an individual with specific psychological, physical, and spiritual needs.
Prepares and submits clean claims to various insurance companies either electronically or by paper.
Verify all required information necessary to file all insurance claims and ensure that they are submitted timely and correctly.
Work with providers or hospital departments to ensure correct charges, diagnoses, and procedures are reported to insurance companies.
Follow up on unpaid claims within the standard billing cycle timeframe.
Accurately process all claims, rejected and otherwise, daily to ensure maximum cash flow.
Medicare Billing Specialist Only—accurately processes all RTP’s on FISS within the timely guidelines; keys Medicare secondary claims and adjustments through FISS.
Maintains up-to-date billing requirements and changes for insurance types within their area of responsibility.
Run, review and follow up on reports to ensure accuracy for encounter forms, daily charges, daily receipts, insurance submissions, and accounts receivables.
Identifies and resolves patient billing complaints.
Check insurance payments for accuracy and compliance with contracts or discounts.
Contact insurance companies regarding any discrepancy in payment.
Identify and bill secondary or tertiary insurance.
Handles all mail and correspondence appropriately and timely.
Investigates claims involving third parties and gathers all information necessary to file hospital lien in a timely manner. Files satisfaction of lien.
As needed, sends letters to patients to request additional information for payment of claims.
Process late charges and refunds within the standard timeframe.
Primary point of contact regarding all billing for the office including insurance, 3rd party claims, and other types of billing matters.
Must be able to perform the physical demands of the job.
Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
Maintains current knowledge of Business Office policies and procedures in order to assist patients and staff.
Maintains accuracy, neatness, and timeliness in job performance.
Complies with departmental and company policies and procedures.
Attend required in-service programs and staff meetings.
All other duties as requested or assigned.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
High school diploma, GED or equivalent.
Graduate of an accredited technician program and passed the National Certifying Examination.
Required to be current in BLS (Basic Life Support) by the standards of the American Heart Association.
Must adhere to all training requirements as mandated by Federal, State, and Professional licensure and regulatory standards.
Required to show proof of having completed Mandatory Reporter course at time of hire or attend within 6 months of start date.
On-call will be required for this position in addition to scheduled hours. Must be able to respond within 20 minutes when on call.
