ATC’s as Physician Extenders

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ATCs as Physician Extenders

• Erin Hill
• Current Issues
• Fall 2005

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What is a Physician Extender

• In collaboration with supervising physicians PE
  provide comprehensive inpatient and outpatient
  medical care to patients. The physician extender
  is responsible for diagnosis, treatment, and
  management of the patient's acute or chronic
  healthcare problems.

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Why are ATCs qualified to work as Physician
Extenders?

• Because of our
• Education
• Background in musculoskeletal injuries
• Ability to work as a team member
• Ability to bill for our services
• Capability to be so VERSATILE!

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Education

• Minimum
• Bachelor Degree in Sports Medicine or a related
  field.
• NATABOC Certified.
• Experience with injury evaluation and
  rehabilitation.

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Education Continued

• Preferred
• Masters Degree in Sports Medicine related area or
  Management. 2-3 years of experience. Experience
  with injury evaluation and implementing
  comprehensive injury management strategies.
• Computer skills involving PowerPoint, Excel, and
  Access.
• A bachelors degree is fine. Janelle

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Education Continued

• Orthopaedic Technologists
• ATCs with a minimum of 6 months experience in
  orthopaedics, can then take the certification
  exam.
• This allows you to
• Assist the Orthopaedic surgeon, in the operating
  room
• Fit and instruct in the use of canes, crutches,
  and walkers
• Apply braces, prosthetics, and the removal of
  casts
• Bill for more services

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Job Responsibilities of a PE

• Injury evaluation
• Injury prevention
• Pre-participation physicals
• Injury Management
• Rehabilitation
• Health Education
• Sports nutrition

• Sports Training
• Brace Fitting
• Conditioning
• Report writing and Documentation
• Answer to Physician

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Job Responsibilities Continued

• Assist in surgery
• History
• Physicals
• Pre-operation treatment
• BP
• Brace-fitting only billing

• Casting
• Wound Check
• Assist Physicians
• Janelle Weaver M.Ed, ATC, OTC

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The Good and The Bad

• Positives
• 40 hours per week
• No traveling
• Minimal or no weekend work
• Reimbursement of services

• Negatives
• Possible politics with other sports medicine
  facilities.
• Performance may be dependent upon services given.
  
• Convincing certain physicians of the need for an
  ATC.

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More good news!

• Entry Level Physician Extenders 32,000
• With Benefits
• Entry Level ATC 28,495
• Experienced Physician Extenders 42,000

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Tips on how to sell the ATC as a PE concept to
physicians.

• Develop a strong connection with area Physicians.
• Education in the clinical health areas.
• Find the busiest facilities and offer your
  services.
• Understand the reimbursement basics in your
  state.

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Other ways to sell the concept

• 1998 Time on Task Study

• CPT Codes used by ATC Physician Extenders

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References

• National Association of Orthopaedic Technologists
  www.naot.org November 19, 2005.
• National Athletic Training Association
  www.nata.org November 11, 2005.
• Janelle Weaver, M.Ed, ATC, OTC phone interview
  November 16, 2005.
• NATA News New Salary Survey Shows Increase Pay
  in Most Settings. NATA Members November 22,
  2005
• ATCs as Physician Extenders NATA Members
  November 16, 2005.