The Mammography Radiographer reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organizationās Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
The Mammography Radiographer performs general mammography imaging procedures to generate imaging information necessary for the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of outpatients. Services are provided in accordance with industry standards, department protocols, and hospital policies and procedures.
Responsibilities:
- Evaluates the request for procedures and assesses the patient to determine the appropriate procedure protocol and method of application.
- Appropriately employs imaging systems, accessory devices, and patient positioning techniques to generate mammography images.
- Cares for the patient throughout the procedure according to department and hospital standards of nursing care, age-specific sensitivities, and āpatients' firstā guidelines.
- Evaluates the resultant images in comparison with industry standard and takes corrective action if needed.
- Performs preliminary interpretation by applying independent judgment, subsequently customizing the procedure accordingly. Uses this knowledge to expedite intervention by the radiologist if necessary.
- Notifies physicians as required of changes in the condition of the patients or regarding unique imaging characteristics.
- Assist the radiologist in the performance of interventional procedures. Prepares sterile trays including procedure specific needs and other ancillary equipment.
- Completes and maintains the medical record consisting of film and associated paperwork.
- Provides patient education in the form of written material and/or verbal explanation prior to, during, and after the procedure in order to reduce the patientās anxiety and enhance his comfort zone with and tolerance of the procedure.
- Performs imaging procedures in accordance with safe radiation safety practices as determined by the Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to limit radiation exposure to patient, self, and other members of the healthcare team.
- Performs Quality Control testing as assigned in accordance with FDA/ACR recommendations. Notifies supervisor to close function when results are outside control limits. Closes rooms and or processors as required in absence of supervisor.
Additional Functions
- Documents mammography imaging procedures manually and /or electronically to insure correct charging, and patient and film file tracking.
- Monitors stock of supplies in imaging rooms to assure their regular availability by timely. Reordering, rotation of dated items, and maintenance of a clean and orderly environment.
- Report incidences of equipment failure, irregularities in equipment performance, and equipment in disrepair to supervisory and/or quality, control personnel as soon possible.