Mammography Technologist

Job DescriptionJob Description

Responsibilities

Job Title: Mammography Technologist

Reports to: Chief Technologist and/or Site Manager and/or Mammography Modality Specialist

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

*This position does not meet the criteria for exemption from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act; thus you will be eligible to receive overtime compensation, as appropriate. Overtime requires prior approval from your supervisor.

Job Summary

The Mammography Technologist is responsible for performing a variety of technical activities associated with the performance of screening and diagnostic mammography procedures. The person in this position responds to patient questions and concerns regarding exam procedures and process, while maintaining appropriate confidentiality regarding personal health information, including but not limited to, patient diagnosis, health history, demographics, and referral information. This person is responsible for all paperwork associated with technical procedures and responds to physician questions and needs regarding patient procedures. Some technologists may work under the direct medical supervision of a physician during certain procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs a variety of tasks involving the operation of mammographic equipment and other equipment/devices as appropriate.

• Positions patients for scans, in the correct orientation and close to the area of interest, using immobilization and protective equipment as necessary, following established protocols.

• Selects proper mode to produce correct exposure factors.
• Evaluates images for diagnostic quality, obtaining additional images as needed.
• Prepares and sets up medical supplies using aseptic techniques if appropriate. Explains procedures to patients.
• Prints film or burns CDs if warranted. Matches with the appropriate paperwork for interpretation.
• Provides orientation to new mammographers.
• Provides education and training to student mammographers.
• Performs other related duties incidental to the work therein.
• Produces high quality diagnostic images in a timely manner while providing excellent patient care.
• Monitors patients’ well-being during exam; recognizes patient discomfort or medical problems and takes appropriate action.
• Understands and uses compression, exposure modes, filter, KvP, Mas, grid selection, focal spot size, AEC selection, photo cell selection and other adjustments and factors on the equipment in order to produce high quality images.
• Uses ALARA concept to minimize patient radiation doses. Documents and reports any over-exposure and advises management immediately.
• Checks patient history, and obtains appropriate signed waivers, if necessary.
• Ensures accuracy of information and data entry, while maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality.
• Maintains accurate patient records, ensuring the integrity of patient medical images and data while adhering to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPPA”) and other patient confidentiality guidelines and regulations.
• Receives and identifies patients using appropriate criteria prior to performing the study ordered.
• Consults with radiologist when necessary to determine appropriate exam.
• Completes all paperwork and exam reports associated with technical procedures.
• Responds to physician questions and needs regarding patient procedures.
• Assists radiologist(s) with stereotactic breast biopsies and other interventional procedures if needed.
• Checks referral for appropriate study based on patient history.
• Keeps exam rooms and dressing booths clean and properly stocked with supplies.
• Assures room is ready prior to the patient entering the room (i.e. equipment is operable, all supplies are readily available, and has been appropriately cleaned and prepped).
• Handles delicate situations in a supportive and empathetic manner (“good bedside manner”) while maintaining appropriate confidentiality regarding exam outcomes or potential issues.
• Keeps patient schedule and accommodates add-on patients when requested.
• Communicates delays or changes in the schedule to the appropriate person(s).
• Exercises sound judgment regarding image quality; seeks guidance from radiologist if concerned about what scan reveals and obtains prior approval before doing additional views in order to better diagnose the patient’s possible pathology.
• Releases patient with proper follow-up information.
• Monitors Patient Library and print films and burns CDs as needed.
• Conducts daily, weekly and monthly QC testing to ensure the quality control functions related to mammography.
• Guides patients through a process, which may be difficult at times by kindly talking them through the steps and answering their questions and concerns regarding exam procedures and processes
• May be asked to fulfill role as Travel Mammography Technologist, with expectation of traveling to multiple locations on a regular and consistent basis.
• Participates in projects and completes other tasks as assigned by management.
• Safeguards any on site medications in accordance with Company policies, procedures and any legal requirements.
• Demonstrates competency regarding the need to safeguard patient property and Patient Health Information.
• Demonstrates respect for company property, including any cash and patient financial information on site or patient portals.
• Is responsive to the needs of others by exhibiting and maintaining professional behavior toward patients and coworkers.
• Demonstrates respect for patient boundaries and cultural sensitivities during all interactions.
• Demonstrates ability to interact diplomatically and sympathetically with patients, their families, and the public in a clinical setting.
• Demonstrates ability to establish, nurture, and maintain cooperative working relationships.

PLEASE NOTE: This is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and requirements of the position described above. Other functions may be assigned and Management retains the right to add or change duties at any time.

Minimum Qualifications, Education, and Experience

• Must have current ARRT(R) certification, and state licenses in Diagnostic Radiologic Technology and Mammographic Radiologic Technology.
• Requires a high school diploma or GED.
• BLS is required (Basic Life Support Certification)
• Maintain license and continuing education in accordance with state, federal, and regulatory agencies’ rules and regulations.
• Ability to relate to the public in a professional and courteous manner, understanding the objectives of the organization, regardless of racial, ethnic, religion, sexual orientation, gender, mental/physical health, age, economic status, or any other protected characteristic, etc.
• Familiarity with and ability to use specialized equipment.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations in a calm and appropriate fashion.
• The above knowledge, skills and abilities may be demonstrated by successful completion of an accredited program, state and federal licenses (as applicable), and appropriate registrations and/or certifications.
• Possesses and utilizes excellent customer service skills, strong written and verbal communications skills, and other medical related skills/knowledge.
• Must be detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to interact effectively with doctors, patients, vendors, peers, staff and management.
• Must maintain continuing experience in accordance with state, federal, and regulatory agencies’ rules and regulations.
• Must provide 40 initial hours of training or attestation if registered on or after 10/1/94.

Quality Standards

• Upholds Company policies and procedures, principles of responsibilities and applicable state, federal, and local laws.
• Communicates, cooperates and consistently functions professionally and harmoniously with all levels of supervision, co-workers, patients, visitors, and vendors.
• Maintains CEUs and licensing as needed in order to maintain a high level of skill in technical capabilities.
• Follows OSHA regulations, RadNet and site protocols, policies and procedures.
• Follows HIPAA, compliance, privacy, safety and confidentiality standards at all times.
• Practices universal safety precautions.
• Promotes good public relations on the phone and in person.
• Adapts and is willing to learn new tasks, methods and systems.

Physical Demands

This position often requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, twisting, reaching with hands and arms, using hands and fingers, handling or palpating, speaking, listening, and high-level cognition. Also, must be able to lift over 50 pounds occasionally. All employees are to assist and participate as members of a lift assistance team (for special accommodation patients or any patient requiring assistance onto a table or equipment placement) to initiate or complete an exam or procedure. May be required to travel on a regular and consistent basis if fulfilling the role of Travel Mammography Technologist.

Working Environment

Technologists work in an outpatient medical office setting with low to moderate noise level. May also work on the mobile mammography coach.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

#mammonorcal

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