Ultrasound Technologist

FTE/Scheduled Weekly Hours:

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS
Performs high quality diagnostic ultrasound exams, accurate operation of equipment and technical factors, producing images for the interpretation by or at the request of a licensed practitioner.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1.    Performs diagnostic ultrasound procedures:  

• Provide proper explanation of procedures to patients, their families, and others as needed to insure the patients understanding of the examination to be performed.
• Positions patient to best demonstrate anatomic area of interest, respecting patient ability and comfort. 
• Assist the physician in the interpretation of the technical aspects of the completed examination per protocol guidelines.
• Evaluates sonograms for technical quality, ensuring proper identification is recorded.
• When not actively engaged with a scheduled patient, assist other staff members with their duties in the spirit of teamwork in order to maintain an effective and efficient operation.

2.    Patient records and billing:

• Corroborates patient's clinical history with procedure, ensuring information is documented and available for use by a licensed practitioner.  
• Responsible for coding signs and symptoms, diseases, operations, and procedures in accordance to ICD-10-CM and CPT coding principles to ensure Medicare and other insurance coverage.  Responsible for obtaining patient waivers when procedures are not deemed as medically necessary.  
• Completes all billing charges, notes, and other required paperwork in a timely manner.

3.    Patient education and service:

• Prepares patient for procedures, providing patient education and instructions to obtain desired results, gain cooperation, and minimize anxiety.  
• Interviews patients and reviews available clinical data in order to alert licensed practitioners to possible contradictions for procedure.  
• Assumes responsibility for provision of physical and psychological needs of patients during procedures.

4.    Quality and Safety:  

• Participates in the department's quality assessment and improvement plan.  
• May be responsible for specific quality control duties in the assigned area.  
• Performs daily quality control tests as described by MQSA.  Reports and corrects any deviations from the standard for imaging equipment calibrations adjustments.  
• Reports equipment malfunction and provides input on equipment and supply decision.

5.    Practice aseptic techniques and prevent cross-contamination while assisting physicians with procedures.
6.    Demonstrates competence in utilizing all imaging support equipment to include transducers, multi-format cameras, printers, RIS and PACS system.
7.    Works with Radiologists and other licensed medical practitioners:

• Verifies informed consent for and assists a licensed practitioner with interventional procedures. 
• Assist the physician in the interpretation of the technical aspects of the completed examination.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Experience, and Training

• Must have successfully completed accredited Ultrasound Technology training from an American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) and be registered (or eligible for registry) as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.
• Must possess the following certifications, based on skill set: Ultrasound Technologist must possess or obtain certification in Physics and either OB/GYN or Abdomen within 24 months post Ultrasound education.  
• Previous experience in area of licensure is preferred.
• Ability to learn and navigate computer systems including the online training modules, the employee timesheet and the performance appraisal system. Job specific systems are also required.
• Must be able to read, speak, and write fluent English.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting – Approximately 25% of shift.
• Standing– Approximately 50% of shift.
• Walking – Approximately 25% of shift. 
• Lifting – Approximately 35 pounds. Must use, and require staff to use, when in hospital and pre-hospital settings, proper body mechanics and ergonomics and, as applicable, lifting/moving devices.
• Twisting – Infrequent.
• Bending – Moderate.
• Squat/Kneel – Occasionally less than 25% of shift.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

May come in contact with hazardous chemicals or treatment modalities.

The possibility exists of exposure to communicable disease due to working in a healthcare environment.

Involvement in patient care may result in unavoidable work-related illnesses.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.  A review of this description has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties.  All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions.  Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by his/her manager.

Requirements are representative of the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities.  To perform this job successfully, the employee will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.  Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.  All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship with the Waverly Health Center.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.  A review of this description has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties.  All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions.  Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by his/her manager.

Requirements are representative of the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities.  To perform this job successfully, the employee will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.  Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.  All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship with the Waverly Health Center.