SONOGRAPHER

Job Description

Job Description

The Ultrasound Sonographer performs diagnostic obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound examinations for patients of OIC. The sonographer produces and documents high quality diagnostic images, records preliminary findings for the interpreting physician, and maintains imaging equipment, records, and quality assurance documentation in accordance with organizational policy and national practice standards. Position will participate in QI activities as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Attendance during the normal work hours is an essential function of the job to ensure work goals are met and customers are served.
• Performs diagnostic obstetric ultrasound examinations, including first trimester dating, fetal anatomy surveys, growth and interval assessments, amniotic fluid measurement, biophysical profiles, and presentation studies.
• Performs diagnostic gynecologic ultrasound examinations, including transabdominal and transvaginal pelvic imaging, endometrial assessment, adnexal evaluation, saline infusion sonohysterography, and intrauterine device localization.
• Performs limited and point of care studies to support same day clinical decision making as ordered by the provider.
• Provides ultrasound guidance and technical support for office based procedures, including hysteroscopy, manual vacuum aspiration, and endometrial biopsy, as directed by the physician.
• Reviews the order and clinical history before each examination and confirms that the study performed is appropriate to the stated clinical indication.
• Obtains, optimizes, annotates, measures, and archives images in accordance with accepted practice parameters for obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound.
• Records preliminary findings and technical observations for the interpreting physician and immediately communicates critical or unexpected findings.
• Transmits completed studies to the imaging archive and verifies that images and reports are correctly linked to the electronic health record.
• Explains the examination to the patient, positions and drapes the patient appropriately, and maintains patient privacy, comfort, and dignity throughout the study.
• Applies the lowest acoustic output consistent with diagnostic image quality and documents exposure indices where required.
• Performs and documents daily equipment checks, cleaning, and high level disinfection of transvaginal transducers in accordance with infection control policy.
• Maintains imaging supplies and coordinates preventive maintenance and service requests with the equipment vendor and facilities staff.
• Provides imaging services on the Mobile Unit and at satellite sites as scheduled.
• Assists with scheduling, prior authorization documentation, and charge capture for imaging services as directed.
• Documents examination data required for accreditation, quality assurance, and Uniform Data System reporting.
• Participates in continuing education activities on and off site when appropriate and feasible.
• Participates in staff conferences to devise individual patient care plans, to revise and update clinic services, continuing quality improvement program and continuing education as appropriate.
• When there are no patients to be attended to, participates in patient related activities.
• Participates in other related activities affecting the clinic program (e.g., grant application requirements, committees, recruitment, and orientation).

• Participates in the ultrasound quality assurance program, including correlation of sonographic findings with final diagnoses and physician overread.
• Aids in the development, review, and update of ultrasound policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Assists in the preparation for and maintenance of practice accreditation for obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound.
• Orients and provides technical instruction to new staff, students, and trainees assigned to the practice.
• Complies with HIPAA, OSHA, and organizational policies governing protected health information and workplace safety.
• Promote interdepartmental efficiency and communication among staff members.
• Works to promote good public relations.
• Attend regular meetings, seminars and training as assigned.
• Maintains appropriate certification and continuing education as required by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography and organizational policy.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION: Graduate of a diagnostic medical sonography program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, or completion of an equivalent training pathway accepted by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Current certification as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer with the Obstetrics and Gynecology specialty, or registry eligible with certification obtained within twelve months of hire. Current Basic Life Support certification.

Preferred: two years of obstetric and gynecologic scanning experience and nuchal translucency credentialing.

SKILLS/ABILITIES : Perform transabdominal and transvaginal imaging; Recognize normal and abnormal sonographic anatomy and distinguish artifact from pathology; Operate, optimize, and troubleshoot ultrasound equipment and imaging archive systems; Manage clinic flow of patients and establish time management principles; Articulate instructions to low-income patients; Multi-tasked; Good written and verbal communication skills; Critical Thinking; Problem Solving

Working Environment

Work is performed in a clinical outpatient setting, including dimly lit examination rooms and the Mobile Unit. Exposure to bodily fluids, cleaning and disinfection agents, and communicable disease is possible and is controlled through standard precautions and organizational infection control policy. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate such as in a typical office.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk for periods of one or more hours; sit; use hands and fingers; reach with hands and arms, including above shoulder level; apply sustained pressure with the scanning arm; and talk and hear. The employee must be able to assist with patient positioning and transfers, move portable ultrasound equipment, and lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Good vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus under low light conditions.

Direct Reports

None