Mammography Technologist

Responsibilities

Performs screening and diagnostic mammograms on physician referred or self-recommended patients according to established clinical protocols and MQSA Quality Guidelines.

• Delivers patient care in accordance with department/hospital standards; changes to adapt to customer/department needs.
• Ensures images are properly labeled.
• Applies radiation protection to patient in accordance with accepted radiation protection standards for mammography.
• Selects technical factors to ensure appropriate capture of digital images.

• Prepares and processes patient clinical and demographic information, using PenRad and ensures the accuracy of historic and current information.
• Secures or makes arrangements for mammography films performed elsewhere to be sent to the Advocate Center for Breast Care.
• Documents patient and family history and other pertinent clinical information in PenRad.
• Provides accurate notes detailing any comments, unique circumstances or observations in PenRad that will aid the radiologist in dictating the mammographic report.
• Documents the presence of a physical lump, moles or other skin lesions with BB markers and draws or labels breast diagrams in PenRad, indicating location of anatomical scars, previous surgical sites or other abnormalities.
• Documents procedure information in PenRad.
• Verifies proper procedure charge has been entered in RadNet Computer System and corrects if necessary.
• Able to perform patient query functions using RadNet and PenRad systems.
• Reviews previous mammographic reports and digital images to establish insight into how the current study is to be performed.

• Prepares mammographic images, scans documentation and determines when radiographic exams adhere to department standard for interpretation by the Radiologist.
• Ensures historical images are available for review by the Radiologist.
• Ensures the presence of any previous diagnostic or pathology reports.
• Prepares current images for dictation by ensuring proper image identification and scanning orders into PACs.
• 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.
• Participates in advanced mammographic procedures such as wire localization, galactograms, stereotactic biopsy and specimen radiographs.
• Demonstrates how the equipment operates, the use of compression and addresses any questions the patient may have on a procedural basis; the technologist must be able to identify anxious and fearful patients.
• Post-procedure, describe in sufficient detail the process by which images will be processed and read by Radiologists and how diagnostic reports are communicated to the referring physician and how layman reports are sent to the patient\'s home, received via e-mail, or phone call.
• Maintains patient modesty and confidentiality throughout the entire patient visit.
• Promotes patient assistance by directing the patient to other resources as needed and offering to assist in this effort.
• Properly labels and identifies specimens to go to lab.

Education/Experience Required

- Graduate of an approved AMA Radiologic Technology Program
- Completion of Training in Mammography specialty
- Knowledge of breast anatomy
- Ability to recognize patients experiencing fear or anxiety
- Ability to recognize needs and behaviors of a variety of age groups; understanding differences in female growth and development, aging, and related physical limitations

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to handle anxious and fearful patients
• Demonstrated technical skills as a mammographer
• Knowledge of mammography positioning
• Registered in Mammography-ARRT (M)
• IDNS License

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Position best performed by a female who enjoys working with women in health-related issues
• Must understand and take seriously the social and psychological issues associated with mammography and breast cancer
• Must keep abreast of changes in regulatory requirements, including FDA, IEMA, ACR

MQSA

• Must engage in continuous learning and review of new and emerging technologies
• Must be flexible and 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 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, Standards of Behavior 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.