Mammography/Ultrasound Tech - Full Time

Major Responsibilities

Performs screening, diagnostic mammograms and proficient in all screening, diagnostic and interventional ultrasound procedures on physician referred patients according to established clinical protocols, ACR, and MQSA Quality Guidelines.

• Accurately documents patient images electronically.
• Positions the breast to obtain the appropriate standard and alternative views for mammographic procedures, as well as assist physicians with various recommendations for obtaining optimal ultrasound studies by suggesting selections for technical factors procedures.
• Adjusts positioning and technique for thorough quality exam based on patient's anatomy and condition.
• Instructs patients regarding activities performed throughout the mammography and ultrasound procedures.
• Keeps patient informed and encourages patient to ask questions regarding own care.
• Applies radiation protection to patient in accordance with accepted radiation protection standards for mammography.
  
  

Ability to deliver a service first approach to patients and all customers within the Job Scope.

• Treat all patients and customers with respect and compassion.
• Utilize appropriate phone etiquette.
• Provide an environment conducive to privacy for all patients.
• Maintain patient confidentiality according to the hospital policies.
• Maintain positive guest relations when dealing with patients, fellows, employees or any personnel ecnountered during daily activity.
  
  

Prepares and processes patient clinical and demographic information, using computerized database systems; ensures the accuracy of historic and current information.

• Secures or otherwise makes arrangements for mammography films/images performed elsewhere to be sent to the Advocate Christ Center for Breast Care.
• Documents presence of a physical lump, mole or other skin lesion with BB markers and draws or labels breast diagrams, indicating location of anatomical scars, previous surgical sites or other abnormalities in Penrad.
• Documents procedure information in Penrad.
• Verifies proper procedure charge has been entered into Radnet and corrects if necessary.
• Able to perform patient query functions using Radnet and Penrad systems.
• Reviews previous mammographic reports and films to establish insight into how the current study is to be performed.
• Documents patient history and other pertinent clinical information in PenRad computer database designed for this purpose to provide Radiologist with adequate information before image interpretation.
• Provides accurate notes detailing any comments, unique circumstances or observations in PenRad that will aid the Radiologist in dictating the mammographic report.
  
  

Provides pre-procedure, procedure and post-procedure education and instruction to the patient, appropriate to the patient's needs and requirements.

• Post procedure biopsy instructions are reviewed with patients.
  
  

In addition, patients are given a written copy of the instructions.

Technologist ensures that patient understand instructions.

• The technologist must be viewed as being helpful to the patient by facilitating or directing the patient to other resources in the patient's quest to seek additional information or address other issues outside the scope of the mammography service.
  
  

The technologist must offer to assist the patient in this effort.

• On a post-procedure basis, the mammography technologist must be able to describe in sufficient detail the process by which the images will be read by the Radiologist and how the diagnostic reports are communicated to the referring physician.
• On a pre-procedure basis, establishes patient comfort by familiarizing the patient with the equipment and aspects of the procedure to be performed.
• Properly labels and identifies specimens to go to the lab.
• Maintains patient modesty and confidentiality throughout the entire patient visit.
• Demonstration of how the equipment operates, the use of compression and address any questions the patient may have on a procedure.
  
  

The technologist must be able to identify the anxious and fearful patient and be able to modify both the mammographic routine and their communication style in order to reduce the patient's anxiety and complete the study.

Performs mammography/ultrasound equipment quality control and quality assurance tests established to meet MQSA Quality Control/Quality Assurance Standards and equipment manufacturers recommendations.

• Performs daily quality control as needed.
• Performs equipment warm-up and calibration tests according to manufacturer's recommended frequency.
• Responsible for staying current on new ultrasound skills and new developments in the field of ultrasound.
• Cleans and disinfects equipment and detector surfaces that come into direct contact with the patient's skin.
  
  

Instruction and assistance as required by students or fellow technologists orientating in ultrasound. Education/Experience Required: -Breast Sonography under ARRT eligible.

• Graduate of AMA Approved Program in
  
  

Radiologic Technology

• 1
• 2 years experience as Radiologic
  
  

Technologist or sonographer

• 40 hours of specialized training and continuing education in mammography
• Knowledge of breast anatomy
• Need to recognize patients experiencing fear or anxiety
• Needs to be able to recognize needs and behaviors of a variety of age groups of patients treated, i.e. understand the differences of female growth and development, and look for signs of normal aging; degree of under-
  
  

standing and physical limitation related to age

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required: -Possess high degree of technical knowledge to perform more specialized U/S studies with minimal amount of assistance from Radiologist.

• Able to make diagnostic judgments when scanning and present them to Radiologist for their interpretation.
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to handle anxious and fearful patients
• Demonstrated technical skills as a mammographer
  
  

Breast Sonography under ARRT eligible

• Registered Mammography /ARRT
• CPR Certification
• IDNS License
  
  

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Ability to adjust to flexible hours at minimal notice as required.
• Ability to work odd/flexible
• Ability to constantly view small CRT screens during exam.
• Position best performed by a female who enjoys working with women in health related issues
• Ability to perform lifting activities related to patients.
• Exposed to radiation.
• Ability to communicate with patients.
• Ability to work weekends
• Ability to do light, medium or heavy lifting.
  
  

Light

Lifting up to 20-50 pounds occasionally and/or 10-25 pounds frequently and/or up to 10 pounds frequently.

Medium

Lifting up to 20-50 pounds occasionally and/or 10-25 pounds frequently and/or up to 10 pounds constantly.

Heavy

Lifting 50-100 pounds occasionally and/or 25-50 pounds frequently and/or 10-20 pounds constantly

• Ability to make independent professional decisions using good judgment skills
• Ability to practice high quality patient care and technical competence.
  
  

Ability to function with minimal assistance in performing job actives.

Ability to demonstrate oral and written communication skills.

• Must understand and take serious the social and psychological issues associated with mammography
• Must keep abreast of changes in regulatory requirements, including FDA, IEMA, ACR, and
  
  

MQSA

• Must engage in continuous learning and review of new and emerging technologies
• Must be flexible and be able to adapt to a rapidly changing environment and growing patient volume
• Must demonstrate confidence in one’s own ability and have a calming effect on patients and others
  
  

If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015.

Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Addendum: NOTE:

Comply with mandatory inservices for Fire Safety, MRI Safety, and Universal Precautions;

Maintain CPR Certification.

Must maintain professional decorum, and adhere to dress code as required by department; no deviations allowed.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.