Exercise Physiologist

The Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehab Exercise Physiologist helps to maintain the operations of a comprehensive cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program, to provide high quality patient care in keeping with the standards and strategic objectives as put forth by MyMichigan Health, Rehabilitation Services; under the direction of the CR/PR medical director(s) and/or the CR/PR health system manager.

The Exercise Physiologist is responsible for the participation and decisions in daily operations within the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation environment. This includes and is not limited to the development, implementation and regulatory compliance associated with patient care and the entire range of services provided in CR/PR such as: patient evaluation/assessment, patient engagement, patient interventions as indicated, patient and community education, exercise training and treatment, psychosocial support and continued reevaluation and follow-up in conjunction with the CR/PR program’s medical director.

• Daily operations and patient treatment consisting of supervised monitored exercise for the cardiovascular and pulmonary patient, under the direct supervision of the CR/PR medical director(s). The Exercise Physiologist informs patients of their rights and responsibilities as a patient in CR/PR while maintaining the preservation of patient confidentiality; as the individual participates in their decision regarding acceptance or refusal of medical treatment.

• The Exercise Physiologist facilitates appropriate patient referrals for CR/PR services, assists with the development and 30-day reevaluation of the patient’s individualized exercise prescription and treatment plan throughout the patient’s course of therapy; as well as patient assessment/re-evaluation, interpretation of ECG’s rhythms and monitoring of patient vital signs in the outpatient environment during exercise treatment.

• Performs patient self-management education in the acute care and outpatient environment and addresses the needs of the individual through case-management interventions. This includes: patient self-management education; development and fostering patient engagement in their care; risk factor assessment and behavior modification counseling; and community benefit participation/education, for the communities in which we serve.

• Maintains patient’s chart and performs chart auditing. Performs patient outcome assessments pre/post treatment and as indicated. Performs outcome data collection and interpretation for national program certification and national program registry. Leads and/or participates in Health System, Rehabilitation Services, and CR/PR program performance improvement initiatives to maintain the highest level of program quality and patient safety. Actively participates in the Rehabilitation Shared Governance model and the CR/PR Shared Governance Work-Groups.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Regular communication/reporting with the CR/PR medical director(s), CR/PR health system manager, the CR/PR Shared Governance Work Groups, and any designated CR/PR lead person.

Responsible for obtaining: patient history, physical assessment measurements during exercise treatment, such as: exertion, dyspnea, pain, blood pressure, heart rate, oximetry reading, heart sounds, blood glucose levels and Interpretation of ECG rhythms.

Performs patient monitoring for inappropriate responses to exercise, discontinuation of treatment and appropriate reporting, as indicated to the CR/PR supervising physician, medical director and/or the patients referring physician.

Responsible for participation in CR/PR patient emergent situations and the initiation of appropriate emergency responses according to the CR/PR Emergency Procedures and national regulatory guidelines for cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. Will participates in annual emergency preparedness training and mock codes per CR/PR program. Provides and/or participates in at least 4 emergency in-services per year.

Assists in the establishment and maintenance of the student internships and job shadows for the CR/PR multi-disciplinary professionals.

Management of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Work Queues: 1) patient referrals, 2) billing, revenue capture, 3) insurance authorization, 4) patient scheduling and 5) provider and/or intradepartmental communication. 6) Performs all necessary documentation and enters daily assessment data into patient records.

Demonstrates competency in Infection Prevention/Control practices: 1) control measures designed to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, 2) implements and maintains isolation techniques, and 3) follows hand hygiene policies and utilizes personal protective equipment as indicated.

Assists with maintenance, calibration, infection prevention and cleaning of CR/PR equipment.

Performs other duties and/or functions as assigned by the CR/PR manager or designee.

MyMichigan Health is a technology driven organization and employees need to demonstrate competency in Microsoft® Windows.

An employee may be required to participate in further learning as designated by the health system, Rehabilitation Services, and/or the CR/PR manager.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING AND SKILLS

Bachelors Degree required. Experience in diagnostic stress testing. Working knowledge of pulmonary rehab and oxygen therapy.

Basic Life Support Required.

American College of Sports Medicine preferred.

Experience in assessment of cardiac and pulmonary patients, the development of individualized exercise prescriptions and individualized treatment plans, and the design of individual exercise regimens for patients receiving treatment in CR/PR.