Echocardiographic Tech - Santa Monica Cardiac Imaging

1. Perform echo studies on adult or pediatric/fetal patients:

• Conduct 2-D echo study
• Conduct M-Mode study
• Conduct Doppler color flow study
• Conduct stress echo testing including dobutamine stress echocardiogram
• Assist Cardiac Imaging Physician with Transesophageal Echocardiograms
• Perform image selection and image archiving on Syngo Dynamics
• Utilize technique appropriate to patient's age, body size, and target pathology.
• Administer intravenous contrast per protocol
• Administer Bubble studies
• Insert Intravenous catheters

2. Generate test results.

• Perform manual and computer-assisted calculations on acquired data.
• Recognize and report clinically significant test results to the responsible cardiologist.
• Describe findings and compose written preliminary reports.
• Finalize reports based on cardiologists' corrections.

3. Perform other duties as need in the UCLA - Cardiovascular Imaging Labs .

• Assist with performance of treadmill tests, including stress echoes, nuclear treadmills, routine treadmills, and pharmacologic stress tests as needed.
• Assist with other patient care office tasks, as needed.
• Assist with other office duties, as needed, and as assigned by the physicians or the office manager of the Cardiology practice.

4. Provide age appropriate assessment and interventions in order to meet the needs of patients and families served.

PATIENT CARE SUPPORT DUTIES:

1. Maintain records and initiate charges for echo studies.

• Prepare preliminary charge documents for review and use by reading physicians.
• Maintain records and initiate charges for echo studies.
• Reconcile echo log, charge documents, and ad hoc reports of billed charges, to ensure 100% charge capture.

2. Communicate and collaborate appropriately and effectively with patients, physicians, co-workers, and administration.

• Select the proper mode of communication.
• Speak clearly and concisely.
• Write clearly and concisely.
• Use chain of command to resolve problems or issues.
• Demonstrate security procedure with written, electronic data, and information.
• Demonstrate confidentiality procedures with verbal, written, electronic data, and information.

3. Observe and practice good judgment relative to patient safety.

• Initiate CPR procedures when necessary.
• Use safety measures specific to patient's age and level of consciousness.
• Notify physician of any change in patient's condition that is potentially or actually compromising the patient.
• Function in a calm and professional manner in emergency/code situations.

1. Maintain competency in the operation of all equipment as delineated in the operator's manual.

Under the supervision of the UCLA Cardiac Imaging Medical Director,Operations Director, Manager and Supervisor, the Echocardiographic Technician perform all 2-dimensional, M-mode, and Doppler studies including Stress echocardiogram, Pharmacological stress echocardiogram, and assist with Transesophageal echocardiograms. The Echocardiographic Technician has less than 3 years years of direct patient care experience and are registered through American Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) in adult echocardiography (AE) RDCS. The Echocardiograhic Technician can be a new graduate of an accredited program with less than 3 years of direct patient care (this does not include externship) and are awaiting to take the adult echo registery exam with ARDMS. Echocardiographic Technician notifies (By Pager) Cardiac Imaging Physicians for any URGENT, STAT and/or Pre-Operative Echo Readings. Prepare preliminary interpretation of those studies. Prepare and maintain records pertinent to echo studies. Perform other duties as assigned and directed by the UCLA Cardiac Imaging Physicians, Manager, and Supervisor. With clinical supervision from the UCLA Cardiac Imaging Physicians and the Administrative Supervision from the Manager/Supervisor, the Echo Technician is expected to work independently in performing, completing, and interpreting echocardiogram studies, stress echocardiograms, and assisting with transesphageal echocardiograms and performing related duties as detailed.

Successful completion of a cardiac echocardiography technology program.

Knowledge and ability to apply knowledge of cardiac anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology.

Ability to apply theory to practice in the application of ultrasound technique to the clinical evaluation of the target anatomy.

Ability to push the 500 lb. echo machine for distances up to 100 feet within the office.

Skill and manual dexterity to manipulate transducer and buttons, and knobs on the echo machine to obtain optimal studies.

Knowledge, skill, and ability to use P.C. and word processing software to generate written preliminary reports.

Knowledge, skill, and ability to make preliminary evaluations of echo studies to generate written preliminary reports.

Ability to prepare and maintain log of procedures, track charge documents, compare activity records, and determine that all studies are billed and collected for.

Ability to work independently and complete tasks in a timely manner with minimal to no direction.

Strong interpersonal skills to effectively interact with patients, physicians, nurses, staff, and others in a professional and courteous manner.

Ability to read, interpret, apply, and/or follow physician orders, policies, procedures, or written and verbal instructions.

Ability to deliver basic cardiac life support (BCLS).

Ability to be Registered (ARDMS ) in adult cardiac echocardiography (AE) RDCS or attainment within 6 months of hire