Mammography Tech

Mammography Technologist

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.

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

Positions patients and uses immobilization if necessary.

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.

Produces high quality diagnostic images in a timely manner while providing excellent patient care.

Treats patients and customers, including family members or care providers that may accompany the patient, with courtesy, professionalism and respect.

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.

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 sometimes difficult process by kindly talking them through the steps and answering their questions and concerns regarding exam procedures and processes.

Participates in projects and completes other tasks as assigned by management.

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.

Must have current ARRT(R) certification, and state licenses in Diagnostic Radiologic Technology and Mammographic Radiologic Technology.

Requires a high school diploma or GED.

CPR certification required.

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, 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 provide 40 initial hours of training or attestation if registered on or after 10/1/94.

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.

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.

Technologists work in an outpatient medical office setting with low to moderate noise level.

I have read and understand the responsibilities and requirements of the position.