Echocardiography Technologist

Echocardiography Technologist

The Echocardiography Technologist will perform diagnostic echocardiography exams on incoming patients. The person in this position responds to patient questions and concerns regarding exam procedures and processes, 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 all Echocardiography procedures in strict accordance with currently approved practices as outlined in department policy and procedure manuals, complying with all applicable federal, state, local and other regulatory requirements.
• Assists the cardiologist with ultrasound-guided Echo Stress Test.
• Communicates to the patient the nature of the procedure and answers questions clarifying the procedure for the patient.
• Assures patients' rights and privacy are maintained.
• 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.
• Performs all quality control testing as required.
• Assists in the transporting of patients.
• Makes suggestions to improve work methods.
• Provides orientation and training to new sonographers as directed.
• 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 the methods used to generate ultrasound data and the theory and operation of the instruments that detect, display, and store the acoustic information generated in clinical examinations.
• Understands the potential bio-effects associated with ultrasound exposure.
• Checks patient history, and obtains appropriate signed waivers, if necessary.
• Consults with radiologist when necessary to determine appropriate scanning procedure.
• Completes all paperwork and exam reports associated with technical procedures.
• Responds to physician questions and needs regarding patient procedures.
• Checks referral for appropriate study based on patient history.
• Keeps ultrasound 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 (fetal demise, cancerous pathology, etc.) 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 scans/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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Participates in projects and completes other tasks as assigned by management.

Minimum Qualifications, Education, and Experience:

• Must have current ARRT(S), ARDMS certifications or ARDMS Registry Eligible.
• Requires a high school diploma or GED.
• BLS is required (Basic Life Support Certification)
• Maintain license, continuing education, and experience 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.
• Familiarity with and ability to use specialized equipment.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations in a calm and appropriate fashion.
• 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.
• The above knowledge, skills and abilities may be demonstrated by successful completion of an accredited ultrasound program; state and federal licenses (as applicable), and appropriate registrations and/or certifications.