Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) Technician

Description

JOB SUMMARY

The NCS Technician is a multi-skilled person trained to assist in all aspects of electromyographic diagnostic testing procedures, under the direct responsibility of a physician*. The NCS Technician assists with patient care management and administrative and clinical procedures.   

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify self as an NCS Technician (verbally and wearing name tag with title).
• Take vital signs.
• Prepare patients for the NCS diagnostic testing procedures.
• Administer medications and giving non-intravenous injections as directed by the physician*.
• Administer basic first aid.
• Assist with patient examination, procedures, or treatments as directed by the physician*. 
• Perform office and/or administrative procedures required by the physician*. 
• Contact patient with authorized instructions and document in the appropriate system the same day.   
• Provide medical advice to patient and documents in patient’s chart, only under direct input from physician*.
• Obtain authorizations, schedule procedures, provide patients with written instructions to include dates and times of appointments and document such in patient’s chart.  
• Coordinate schedule changes with front desk.     
• Make reminder calls to patients, at least one day prior to their scheduled appointment.
• Measure electrical activity in peripheral nerves, using electromyograph (NCS) instrument, for use by physician in diagnosing neuromuscular disorders.
• Explain procedures to patient to obtain cooperation and relieve anxieties during test. 
• Rub electrode paste on patient's skin to ensure contact of electrodes. 
• Attach surface recording electrodes to extremity in which activity is being measured to detect electrical impulse. 
• Attach electrodes to electrode cables or leads connected to NCS instrument and select nerve conduction mode on NCS. 
• Operate NCS instrument to record electrical activity in peripheral nerves. 
• Press button on manually held surface stimulator electrode to deliver pulse and send electrical charge along peripheral nerve. 
• Monitor response on oscilloscope and presses button to record nerve conduction velocity. 
• Measure and record time and distance between stimulus and response, manually or using computer, and calculate velocity of electrical impulse in peripheral nerve. 
• Remove electrodes from patient upon conclusion of test and clean electrode paste from skin, using alcohol and cotton.
• Complete office charge slips with appropriate diagnosis and CPT code and submits to data entry in a timely fashion.  

*Physician has the option to delegate this responsibility to a mid-level provider.

CORPORATE CULTURE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Follow established corporate and department-specific policies and procedures.
• Attend all corporate and department-specific required training.
• Uphold MCC’s Purpose, Values, and Vision.
• Abide by MCC’s Corporate Culture Responsibilities. 
• Perform other duties as may be assigned cheerfully and willingly.

Requirements

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum education requirement is high school diploma or GED. College Associate degree preferred but not required.
• Certification as Registered Nerve Conduction Study Technologist (R. NCS T.) preferred.
• Must hold and maintain Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (CPR and AED) certification, in accordance with American Heart Association training.
• Must be authorized by supervising physician* to perform testing procedures.  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Displays customer services skills, strong interpersonal skills, close attention to detail, and excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Be a person of integrity and character, willing to embrace change and make a positive impact in the lives of patients and co-workers.
• Ability to work with staff members at all levels of the organization in a cooperative, team-oriented manner.
• Displays computer proficiency (i.e., PC windows and MS Office environment) and ability to quickly learn new applications.
• Proficient in use of English language both in written and verbal communication. 
• Must be able to communicate with individuals of varying socio-economic backgrounds.
• Displays ability of giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Professional demeanor and recognition of privacy considerations for patients and families.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Strength (Lift/Carry/Push/Pull): Medium (exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally)
• Standing/Walking: Occasionally; activity exists up to 1/3 of the time.
• Keyboarding/Dexterity: Frequently; activity exists from ¾ of the time.
• Ability to look at a computer screen for extended periods.
• Ability to perform constant repetitive hands and finger motions.
• Ability to work in various positions (standing, sitting, bending, holding, stooping, kneeling, and walking) for extended periods of time.
• Manual dexterity and a capacity to deal with visual, electrical, and computer concepts are important.
• Talking (Must be able to effectively communicate verbally): Yes.
• Seeing: Yes
• Hearing: Yes

EMOTIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Must exhibit stable work behaviors daily.
• Must possess adequate individual coping skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional regardless of workload or time constraints.   
• Must be able to work under stress and remain calm and professional.    

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Clinical back-office environment
• Exposed to frequent and constant interruptions in daily functions/schedule.  
• Must be available to customers and staff throughout the day.  
• May be required to work extended hours to meet department needs.