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[CPAP] Competency
#1
Competency
Is there any regulatory reason a health tech cannot be trained and have basic competencies to download CPAP data, transfer to a medical record for the provider in an office setting? Check filter and humidifer functioning? Mask adjustments? Pressure setting adjestment with provider order?
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#2
RE: Competency
First of all, welcome to the forum!!! We are glad you joined us!!! Welcome

Now to your question. This is only my opinion, but I don't see any regulatory reason that a respiratory tech could not perform at least a portion of the items you listed in your post.

Of course, different states may have different rules as to what duties respiratory techs may or may not perform.

Sleep-well
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#3
RE: Competency
They are multi functional health techs that will be initally trained by an RT. We are trying to provide care in a highly rural area. They will collect the data and the Pulmonologist will use it with a v-tel session with the patient.
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#4
RE: Competency
kmroehr, I know this doesn't help you, but I live in Australia and the places where we go for our supplies etc do everything. We only go back to the Sleep Specialist for routine check ups or if something goes wrong. They can take the data off and send it to our Sleep Specialisti if required and the do everything like adjusting pressures, mask fittings and adjustments, ongoing training etc. They are mainly small shops and you can pretty much get in anytime or make an appointment. A lot of them are also franchised and run by people with sleep apnea so know what's going on.
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#5
RE: Competency
It depends on the state rules and the insurance companies. Here in NC, when I first got my CPAP and gear, the guy working with me had been in the business about fifteen years or more. He was very knowledgeable, easy to work with. Then on one visit to pick up mask, he said he was being replaced. The new laws stated that only a nurse or a RT could do what he had been doing.
PaulaO

Take a deep breath and count to zen.




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#6
RE: Competency
But you know, really, the best bet is to teach the patient to do it themselves. Education goes a long way and promotes empowerment.
PaulaO

Take a deep breath and count to zen.




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#7
RE: Competency
The medical mafia is very protective of their turf.

A dumb but well meaning high school student with a few days training and ongoing supervision could download CPAP data, check it enough to know whether he needs to refer to a more well trained specialist, check basic machine function, adjust masks, etc.

Emphasis on "well meaning," "supervision," and "refer to a more well trained specialist."

Most of the time, it's just "go through the motions, pay attention, spot potential problems, and know when to ask for help," even for the doctors and trained techs.

He could even do a better job than many DMEs, sleep techs, and doctors seem to do.
Get the free OSCAR CPAP software here.
Useful links.
Click here for information on the main alternative to CPAP.
If it's midnight and a DME tells you it's dark outside, go and check it yourself.
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#8
RE: Competency
Hi kmroehr,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
trish6hundred
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