Cardiac Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Under indirect supervision, operates diagnostic ultrasound equipment to perform a variety of routine and specialized technical procedures to produce images which assist the physician in the diagnosis of heart ailments. Makes members/patients and their needs a primary focus of ones actions; develops and sustains productive member/patient relationships. Actively seeks information to understand member/patient circumstances, problems, expectations, and needs. Builds rapport and cooperative relationship with members/patients. Considers how actions or plans will affect members; responds quickly to meet member/patient needs and resolves problems.

• This position, knows and complies with all Kaiser Permanente quality, safety, and emergency policies and procedures. Demonstrates quality and effectiveness in work habits and clinical practice in every interaction with patients, colleagues, providers, and leadership. Ensures patient safety in the preparation and provisioning of care related to but not limited to medications, procedures, infection prevention, fall prevention, including consistent use of two patient identifiers and procedural time outs. Reports safety hazards, accidents and incidents, and unsafe working conditions promptly.
• Reviews patients medical records to obtain and record identifying information required for cardiology testing; instructs patient in preparing for examinations and explains procedures to be performed. Positions patient to obtain desired images in accordance with physicians instructions using knowledge of human anatomy.
• Operates diagnostic cardiac ultrasound equipment to record structure and flow characteristics of the heart for adult and adult-congenital cardiac patients. Reviews and modifies each echocardiogram during the procedure to obtain the highest quality exam possible. Performs calculations and measurements to appropriately focus the exam and obtain the data needed for the particular diagnosis.
• Organizes processed images, measurements, calculations and other data in a logical sequence for presentation to the physician for interpretation. Records exam findings in reporting software for physician review; consults with the cardiologist regarding the quality of the images and data obtained. May read with physicians when appropriate.
• Places intravenous catheters, administers ultrasound image enhancement agents, monitors the patient for adverse reactions, and records these procedures the patients medical record.
• Performs other technical duties, including EKG and prepares results for the physicians review.
• Maintains appropriate quality control of all cardiac ultrasound equipment; orders and stores supplies; prepares and maintains ultrasound records and files; and schedules appointments.
• May perform other duties within the department as requested.
• In addition to defined technical requirements, accountable for consistently demonstrating service behaviors and principles defined by the Kaiser Permanente Service Quality Credo, the KP Mission as well as specific departmental/organizational initiatives. Also accountable for consistently demonstrating the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors necessary to provide superior and culturally sensitive service to each other, to our members, and to purchasers, contracted providers and vendors.