C-Arm Technician credentials?

[tmvguy03]

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Hey all- I was just wondering about those in private practice, are your C-arm technicians RTs or MAs? Should it make any difference to JCAHO who is assisting, and does it matter for what type of procedures (i.e. RT if doing stim trials/RFA etc.)? I am having some outside pressure to hire an RT to replace my MA because of their credentials. The MA does all fluoro except RFA/stims (but could be trained)- currently an RT is available for those procedures. Thanks

 

[pastafan]

MA but state law does not allow any nurse or MA to press button, only position unit unless they get a limited fluoro certificate.

 

[promethius]

The answer to your question is probably state-specific. I know in Florida, medical assistants can position the c-arm and push the button.

 

[BobBarker]

If you are private practice why are you letting the JC in your office?

 

[Pain_doc]

Agree, state specific. In the office, I have an MA position and adjust per my instructions, but I use a foot pedal to take all pictures, etc. Only MD or RT can "press the button". At the ASCs, the facilities all have a RT that operates the machine. Not all RTs are created equal and if they don't routinely do spine....its really frustrating.

My office fluoro machine gets inspected annually by physicist per state law. My office/procedure suite gets accredited by AAAASF (can use JC, or others...this one seemed less of a hassle) and again that's mandated by state if you want to give sedation in the office. Really ridiculous and probably will not do it again once current certification expires.