Med Instrument Tech (Echocardiography)

Veterans Health Administration•Philadelphia, PA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The incumbent works in the Cardiology section of the Medicine Service at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center. The role requires intimate knowledge of thoracic anatomy and physiology as related to cardiovascular function and the demonstrated ability to operate echocardiography equipment for cardiac studies. The technician performs diagnostic echocardiography examinations and Doppler recordings, including complex studies of the heart chambers and valves. Procedures include transesophageal echocardiograms, dobutamine and exercise stress studies, 3D echocardiograms, bubble studies, and use of image-enhancement agents. The position also includes IV access support, probe and equipment pre-cleaning, digital image management, assistance with billing and coding, and completion of encounters for echocardiography and other cardiology diagnostic tests. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. Work is performed in the Echo clinic and other patient-care areas. The full performance level is GS-8.

Requirements

At least one year of experience comparable to the GS-07 level, demonstrating the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics needed to conduct diagnostic echocardiography examinations in complex and unusual cases.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy.
Meet applicable VA physical requirements.
Selected applicants must pass a pre-employment physical examination and background/security investigation; applicants tentatively selected for testing-designated positions are subject to urinalysis for illegal drug use.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
Complete required onboarding and application documentation; acceptable identification is required for pre-employment requirements.
Complete the required one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment after the trial period.

Nice To Haves

Licensure or certification is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above.
Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable.

Responsibilities

Perform diagnostic-quality images and Doppler frequency-shift recordings using M-mode, 2-D, pulsed-wave and continuous-wave Doppler spectral display, and color-flow Doppler imaging.
Perform complex cardiac studies of the four chambers and valves using sector-scanning techniques to detect stenotic or incompetent valves, chamber enlargement, pericardial conditions, thrombus, and pressure gradients across obstructed valves.
Perform transesophageal echocardiograms, dobutamine and exercise stress studies, 3D echocardiograms, bubble studies, and studies using image-enhancement agents such as Definity; initiate, monitor, and discontinue IV access as appropriate.
Pre-clean TEE probes and other reusable medical equipment used within the department.
Adapt transducer positioning, instrument controls, and examination techniques to individual patients and the problem being evaluated.
Manage imaging digitally and act as a Super User for the imaging storage system.
Assist billing and coding staff with exam interpretation and follow up on outstanding billing and coding issues.
Complete encounters for all echocardiograms using the correct CPT codes, diagnosis, service connection status, and other required fields; assist management with encounter practices in the ECHO section.
Insert IV access when applicable for Definity administration by an RN, MD, PA, or cardiology fellow.
Provide cross coverage to EKG and ambulatory cardiac monitoring as needed.
Complete encounters for EKG and ambulatory cardiac monitoring using the correct CPT codes, diagnosis, service connection status, and other required fields; assist management with cardiology encounter practices.
Perform other duties as assigned.