Echo Tech/Cardiac Sonographer

Job Title

Performs transthoracic echocardiograms, stress echocardiograms using specialized equipment, and transesophageal echocardiograms under the supervision of a cardiologist.

Responsibilities

Collects relevant information regarding:

• Patient identification
• Procedure appropriateness for indicated signs and symptoms
• Pregnancy status
• Patient preparation
• Contraindications
• Safety screenings
• Patient assessment

Analyzes information to safely and accurately provide care according to established policies, protocols, and guidelines for patient safety.

Provides patient education by explaining procedures and giving instructions at a level the patient can understand.

Addresses patients' questions and concerns.

Verifies patient informed consent (procedure, contrast, and radiopharmaceutical) when indicated.

Refers questions about outcomes, diagnosis, treatment, or prognosis to the patient's physician.

Provides appropriate information to individuals involved in the patient's care.

Performs exams accurately by following policies and procedures.

Evaluates the patient study in a timely, accurate, and comprehensive manner to determine if the intended outcome was achieved.

Documents all required components of patient care.

Accurately performs quality control procedures to maintain regulatory standards and accrediting requirements.

Adheres to equipment safety standards and identifies and appropriately reports variances and concerns.

Qualifications

Required:

• Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) or Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) or ARDMS Board Eligible.
• BLS certification required or must complete BLS certification within the first two weeks of employment.

Preferred:

• Completion of an accredited echocardiography program with a minimum of twelve months echocardiography experience.
• A graduate of an ultrasound program with a minimum of twelve months echocardiography experience.
• Credentialed in one of the following areas: adult, pediatric, or fetal through ARDMS or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).

Infection Control

Initial and ongoing training in dealing with infection control. Trainings may include, but are not limited to, bloodborne pathogens, bodily fluids, and biohazardous materials as applicable to the daily work environment.

Patient Interaction

Frequent

HIPAA Access

This position will have access to the following Protected Health Information (PHI) at Hays Medical Center:

Primary (routine access):

• Patient Demographic Information: Name, Date of Birth, Address, Race, Marital Status, Religion
• Clinical Information: Diagnosis, Reports/Medical Notes, Test Results, Problem List, Procedures, History and Physical

None (no approved access):

• Coding Information: ICD-9 Codes, Rev Codes, CPT Codes
• Financial Information/Insurance: Billing Information, Payer Name, Payer ID, Account Balances, Plan Elements Covered, Payment Information, Payment Rates