Respiratory Therapist, Home Medical Equipment Vent Specialist - PRN

OVERVIEW

The Respiratory Therapist Home Medical Equipment Ventilation Specialist provides Respiratory Care services to patients in their homes, clinics, or at one of the Mercyhealth at Home locations. The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for establishing and implementing care plans, educating patients/caregivers and evaluating progress toward goals.

Schedule: PRN/Pool - Flexible as needed coverage.

Shift: Days

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Provides instruction to patients and/or caregivers primarily on the proper use of in-home ventilation equipment. Methods of ventilation include invasive and non-invasive

• Monitors patient compliance and data to ventilation therapy via cloud technology. Makes critical ventilation setting adjustments/recommendations to following physicians in order to maintain patients' quality of life and prevent ER visits and hospital readmissions.

• Makes ventilator setting adjustment per physician's orders/parameters while working independently in patient's home. Monitors patient's vital signs to ensure no adverse outcomes to ventilator setting adjustments. Takes immediate actions as needed to maintain the health and safety of patient.

• Provides instruction to patients and/or caregivers on the proper use of other respiratory care equipment including but not limited to; home oxygen, nebulizers, and positive airway pressure.

• Establishes and implements care plans, following provider orders, and evaluates progress toward goals

• Follows clinical protocols and procedures as approved by Mercyhealth at Home

• Ensures patient and/or caregivers can effectively operate and maintain ventilators and ancillary equipment by using the teach back method of training.

• Answers questions and concerns from patients and customers related to respiratory equipment

• Participates in multidisciplinary team patient care conferences as needed.

• Following the provider's orders/parameters, safely performs and documents respiratory care procedures in a manner consistent with Mercyhealth at Home policy.

• Accurately enters work orders for products into the HME software system to ensure timely and accurate billing of claims

• Assesses appropriateness of equipment based on the patient's ability to use and evaluates patient's home environment to ensure safe use of equipment.

• Prepares and maintains a record for each patient containing all pertinent information, care plans, prescriptions and follow-up documentation.

• Obtains required documentation in order to streamline referral processes and meet regulatory and reimbursement requirements.

• Inspects, tests, and cleans equipment to ensure proper operating condition.

• Loads and secures equipment to be delivered in an appropriate manner to prevent damage and contamination to equipment during transit

• Completes documentation associated with delivery of products timely, in accordance with company policy and regulatory requirements.

• Maintains a current knowledge base of regulatory and payer coverage guidelines to assure timely and adequate reimbursement.

• Functions independently in an on-call, after hour role to make decisions to resolve patient issues and questions and deliver equipment.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE 

Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Care Program

1 year of experience required