Exercise Physiologist

Sparrow•Lansing, MI

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Exercise Specialist-Clinical Diagnostics Supervisor, the Exercise Physiologist is responsible for patient care in all the areas of Graded Exercise Stress Testing/EKG tracings, Holter and Event Monitoring services, EECP therapy and Pacemaker/Device clinic duties. He/She will fulfill the objective(s) as put forth by the TCI Division of Sparrow Hospital.

Requirements

Demonstrates knowledge and maintains and respects patient right to privacy by following the HIPAA Privacy and Security policies and procedures.
Adheres to ICARE values and standards of behavior (Innovation, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence).
Role model behaviors that value the diversity of our associates, patients and customers and supports creating an environment that is inclusive, welcoming and respectful.
Communicates with patients, families and customers using AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank).
Works in a safe manner and promptly reports any hazards identified in the work environment or related to assigned responsibilities.
Completion of an Advanced Arrhythmia/12 lead EKG interpretation course or equivalent experience
minimum of 6 months experience with device check
Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science/Health related degree or equivalent experience.
Proficient computer skills including internet and web based applications.
Ability to assist in lifting and/or moving patients. May require long periods of standing.

Responsibilities

Graded Exercise Testing (Treadmills, Myocardial Perfusion studies including Pharmacological studies): Follow procedures for performing stress testing on patients; which includes recognizing and identifying problems during testing which are by nature technical, and notifying the physician according to procedure; obtaining patient history, medications, illnesses, cardiovascular disease risk factors and exercise history; explanation of testing procedures/significance and safety precaution issues with patients. Measurement of appropriate parameters (at rest and during exercise); EKG monitoring responsibilities, heart rate response, systolic/diastolic blood pressures (continuous), pulse pressure product, ability to interpret the exercise electrocardiogram and communicating with the appropriate physician, according to TCI Sparrow Procedures.
Facilitate emergency response as needed, which may include but not limited to: performing or assisting with CPR/ACLS protocols, notifying receptionist of emergency situation to insure that 911 is called, obtaining necessary emergency equipment, assisting the attending physician as needed, continuous recording of electrocardiographic tracings as needed.
Complete all GEMMS/Heart Centrix documentation within the EMR system.
Perform EECP therapy; which includes monitoring, motivating, educating end stage cardiac patients during their seven week course of treatment.
Perform holter monitoring services; including scanning, proper hook-up, report production and billing.
Perform all duties related to Event Monitor services; including website monitoring of actively enrolled patients, handling abnormal transimissions, report production and billing.
Perform Transtelephonic pacemaker checks; including report production, scheduling 3-6 month follow up appointments, triaging patients as necessary.
Perform Device clinic duties - Remote monitoring; daily review of websites including (Merlin, Carelink, and Biotronik/Latitude): review daily transmissions and interpret EGMs, review for ICD therapy, problems with leads, RRT alerts, pauses, afib, tachy or bradycardiac events, triage necessary problems, create report, export to GEMMS. Recognize if patient is in need of antiarrhythmic, anticoagulation therapy, or other further workup and triage to appropriate nurse or physician. Schedule in clinic apt if necessary. Understand various troubleshooting methods for bedside monitors depending on supporting company (Medtronic, Latitude, St. Jude, or Boston Scientific) Set auto transmissions for appropriate remote transmit day- be aware of previous transmission schedule (for billing purposes), and what type of device patient has (icd vs. pacemaker/ auto vs. manual)
ILR checks –Review chart for reason for implant, implanting physician, date of implant and type of check, check current medications and review for antiarrhythmic, anticoagulation, beta blocker etc. review Carelink for patients last connection update, review if patient is due or has EP follow-up scheduled. Incision check: responsible for all aspects of incision checks including checking for signs of infection, post –op instructions and review of bedside monitor device
Perform ICD and pacemaker interrogation; interpret findings, device programming, and documentation as assigned.
Related duties as needed such as: ordering stress testing/EECP supplies and linen, responsible for checking crash cart, defibrillator, oxygen tanks; transporting patients as needed; cleaning treadmillrooms daily; rotate shifts as necessary