Mammographer -PRN

Major Responsibilities

• Performs screening and diagnostic mammograms and bone density testing on physician referred patients according to established clinical protocols and MQSA Quality Guidelines.
• Delivers patient care in accordance with department/hospital standards; changes to adapt to customer/department needs.
• Uses proper telephone scripting at all times.
• Accurately documents patient images electronically.
• Positions the breast to obtain the appropriate standard and alternative views.
• Adjusts positioning and technique for thorough quality exam based on patient's anatomy and condition.
• Keeps patient informed and encourages patient to ask questions regarding own care.
• Applies radiation protection to patient in accordance with accepted radiation protection standards for mammography.
• Documents patient history and other pertinent clinical information in RIS or Penrad computer database, when available, designed for this purpose.
• Selects technical factors to ensure appropriate capture of digital images.
• Prepares and processes patient clinical and demographic information, using RIS or Penrad, when available, and ensures the accuracy of historic and current information.

• Secures or otherwise makes arrangements for mammography films performed elsewhere to be sent to the Advocate Condell Breast Imaging Center.
• Obtains current personal and family history of breast disease using computer databases, i.e. Penrad to record information.
• Secures patient consent forms as may be required; these consents include Pregnancy Consent and Verification, Authorization Form to Release Medical Information and Consent for Interventional Procedures.
• Documents the presence of a physical lump, moles or other skin lesions with BB Markers and draws or labels breast diagrams in Penrad, indicating location of anatomical scars, prior surgical sites or other abnormalities.
• Documents procedure information in RIS or Penrad, when available.
• Acknowledges patient exam completion in RIS.

• Prepares mammographic images, scans documentation and determines when radiographic exam adheres to department standard for interpretation by the Radiologist.
• Procures historical images and prepares these images for review by the Radiologist.
• Ensures the presence of any previous diagnostic or pathology reports.
• Prepares current images for dictation by ensuring proper image identification and scanning orders into PACs.
• Ensures all paperwork, forms and diagrams are complete and accurate and merged into PACs therefore ready for use by the supervising Radiologist.
• Provides accurate notes detailing any comments, unique circumstances or observation in Medical Record or Penrad, when available that will aid the Radiologist in dictating the mammographic report.
• Processes and sends to the appropriate areas, procedure requisitions, history forms, consents and other documentation as it may be generated.
• Provides pre-procedure, procedure and post-procedure education and instruction to the patient appropriate to the patient's needs and requirements.

• Participates in advanced mammographic procedures such as needle localizations, galactograms, Stereotactic biopsy and specimen radiographs.
• On a pre-procedure basis, establishes patient comfort by familiarizing the patient with the equipment and aspects of the procedure to be performed.
• Demonstration of how the equipment operates, the use of compression and address any questions the patient may have on a procedural basis; the technologist must identify anxious and fearful patients and modify the mammographic routine and communication style to reduce anxiety and complete the study.
• On a post-procedure basis, describes in sufficient detail the process by which the images will be processed and read by the Radiologists and how the diagnostic reports are communicated to the referring physician and how layman report is sent to the patient s home.
• Maintains patient modesty and confidentiality throughout the entire patient visit.
• The technologist is expected to be helpful to the patient by facilitating or directing to other resources and offering to assist this patient in this effort.
• Properly labels and identifies specimens to go to lab.

• Performs mammography equipment quality control and quality assurance tests established to meet MQSA Quality Control/Quality Assurance Standards and equipment manufacturer s recommendations.
• Performs start-up and shut-down procedures according to established procedures.
• Performs equipment warm-up and calibration tests according to manufacturer s recommended frequency.
• Cleans illuminator panels and surfaces as needed to remove sources of dirt, contamination and artifacts.
• Cleans and disinfects equipment surfaces that come into direct contact with the patient s skin.

• Delivery of Patient Care in accordance with departmental standards of continued quality improvement.
• Follows Accrediting Organization requirements regarding safety and protection of patients and staff.
• Must promote patient safety by reporting issues through established channels and…