Registered Sleep Technologist

General Summary of Position
Coordinates home sleep testing and provisioning of durable medical equipment and other therapeutics for clinic patients following established standards and practices. Performs pulmonary function tests exercise tests and pulmonary rehabilitation exercises. The sleep technologist collaborates with physicians patients and families in the delivery of services and management of sleep and respiratory disorders and acts as the liaison and point of contact to resolve patient issues problems and treatments.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to department policies procedures quality standards and safety standards. Complies with governmental and accreditation regulations.
• Participates in meetings and on committees and represents the department and hospital in community outreach efforts. Participates in multi-disciplinary quality and service improvement teams.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Performs patient telephone triage related to durable medical equipment assesses needs and coordinates needs with medical staff. Monitors phone notes entered to assure timely response to all calls and appropriate resolution of the patients' needs.
• Sets up home sleep testing educates patients on use of device collects and downloads data. Analyses and scores sleep and respiratory parameters to generate report for physician interpretation. Processes physician interpretations and uploads to Cerner.
• Provides the patient with home care advice for conditions that do not require an immediate clinic appointment or referral to another health care setting.
• Conducts pulmonary function testing and pulmonary rehabilitation including six-minute walks cardiopulmonary exercise tests and other modalities as assigned.
• Applies knowledge of CMS and private insurance guidelines to assure timely provisioning of durable medical equipment for patients including appropriately documenting medical necessity. Stays up to date with regulatory/reimbursement changes.
• Dispenses telephone advice and recommendations from the provider as requested by the provider as it relates to durable medical equipment This includes verbally troubleshooting mask humidity and pressure issues impacting therapeutic compliance.
• Performs smart card downloads for CPAP compliance monitoring and provides to insurance company as appropriate to assure the provision of devices. Makes adjustments to CPAP/BIPAP machines under physician guidance. Conducts in-person mask and pressure desensitizations for patients struggling with therapeutic compliance demonstrating a variety of potential interfaces and pressure modalities.
• Educates patient and family about diagnostic procedures/treatments and maintenance of sleep and respiratory health and wellness.
• Maintains and reviews patient records charts and other pertinent information. Assists with tests and examination results as needed. Follows up with durable medical equipment companies to assure receipt of order and dispensation of device.
• Maintains established departmental policies and procedures; attends required meetings and participates in committees as requested.
• Enhances patient satisfaction by providing concerned personal prompt and courteous customer service that supports the patients' right to dignity and privacy.
• Adapts to and excels in the use of all electronic programs utilized in the division/department to include but not limited to Electronic Health Records (EHR) Azyxxi Outlook and general computer applications. Adheres to all HIPPA MEDSTAR and GUH Privacy policies. Scans and indexing clinical documents to the EMR within 48 hours.
• Serves as a resource to physicians needing support in securing therapeutic needs of patients.
• Builds and maintains a log of all patients needing DME tracking timeliness of setup and key compliance data. Reviews data for quality trends and makes recommendations to increase overall population compliance scores.
• Performs mask fits and de-sensitization sessions with patients including on inpatients as needed. May occasionally educate inpatients on home sleep testing.
• Liaises with other Medstar Sleep Centers and MGUH departments (such as inpatient case management and GIM) to assure continuity of care with patients. Participates in hospital-wide employee education events related to sleep health.

Minimal Qualifications
Education

• High School Diploma or GED completion required or
• Associate's degree or bachelor preferred or
• Bachelor's degree preferred and
• Formal education in sleep technology or respiratory therapy required
• One year of relevant education may be substituted for one year of required work experience.

Experience

• 1-2 years 2 years experience at the technician level or the equivalent required and
• 1-2 years Durable medical equipment experience and previous use of electronic medical records preferred
• One year of relevant professional-level work experience may be substituted for one year of required education.

Licenses and Certifications

• AASM - Registered Polysomnographic Technologist RPSGT Registration by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists in Polysomnography required and
• POLYSOM - Polysomnographic Tech (Registered) Must hold a license in good standing as a Polysomnographic Technologist in Maryland as defined by the Health Professional Licensing Administration required and
• CPR - Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (includes BLS and NRP) for healthcare providers from either the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross within 90 Days required and
• Additional unit/specialty certifications may vary by department or business unit.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of sleep medicine and/or respiratory physiology and related treatment modalities.
• Knowledge of medical equipment and instruments to administer patient care.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients medical staff and the public.