Mammography Technologist

Company: CARLE
Location: Decatur
Posted on: June 22, 2022

Job Description:

This position is primarily responsible for the performance of screening and diagnostic mammograms as well as invasive diagnostic breast exams. The technologist is the principle success factor in communicating a sense of calm to the patient; collects and processes valuable personal and clinical information; physically must touch the patient's breast and apply mechanical compression to the patient. The technologist must be knowledgeable of women's issues relative to breast health and other related diseases and be prepared to answer questions or provide resources that can assist in answering the patient's questions. The technologist has frequent interaction with radiologists, referring physicians, patients, family members, and the public. Delivers patient care in accordance with department/hospital standards; changes to adapt to customer/department needs. Positions the breast to obtain the appropriate standard and alternative views. Applies radiation protection to patient in accordance with accepted radiation protection standards for mammography. Obtains current personal and family history of breast disease Secures patient consent forms as may be required; these consents include Pregnancy Consent and Authorization Form to Release Medical Information and Consent for Interventional Procedures. Documents the presence of a physical lump, moles or other skin lesions with markers indicating location of anatomical scars, previous surgical sites or other abnormalities. Ensures the presence of any previous diagnostic or pathology reports. 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 that will aid the Radiologist in dictating the mammographic report. Participates in advanced mammographic procedures such as needle localizations and specimen radiographs. 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 be able to identify the anxious and fearful patient and be able to modify both the mammographic routine and their communication style in order to reduce the patient's anxiety and complete the study. On a post-procedure basis, the mammography technologist must be able to describe 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 patient's home. Properly labels and identifies specimens to go to lab. Identifies each patient correctly, using two forms of identification prior to starting procedure. Performs equipment QC testing according to manufacturer's recommended frequency. Evaluate recorded images for technical quality. Instruct patient before and during procedure. Minimizes radiation to patient and staff by practicing radiation protection techniques; using beam restrictive devices; applying knowledge of exposure factors.

Keywords: CARLE, Decatur , Mammography Technologist, Healthcare , Decatur, Illinois