POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The Interventional Technologist-Vascular works closely with the physician to perform quality vascular imaging and interventional radiology procedures. Responsible for scrubbing-in for the surgical portion of the procedure, circulating within the procedure room to organize and perform the non-sterile portions of the procedure. Operates radiographic, fluoroscopic and intravascular ultrasound equipment and Power Injector to produce the images of the procedure. The Interventional Technologist-Vascular also maintains skills in radiography and/or other specialties to provide cross-coverage and supplemental staffing as required and maintains patient safety throughout Vascular Study in the outpatient setting.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Greets and courteously escorts patient and other guests to Pre/Post Op room.
- Ensures images are identified with appropriate patient and examination identification information.
- Creates Radiology order, assigns studies and archives to PACS.
- Imports/exports images from PACS.
- Documents patient information in a timely and accurate manner to ensure continuity of high quality health care.
- Appropriately codes patients’ procedures and helps with Quality Improvement.
- Properly operates C-arm under physician’s instructions, performs arteriograms and venograms through the application of ionizing radiation to produce quality images for physician’s interpretation.
- Selects and modifies technical factors based on patient’s weight, age and physical condition to obtain optimal images while keeping radiation exposure as low as reasonably achievable.
- Properly draws up contrast into power injector sterilely and safely connecting to patient, working hand in hand with physician.
- Properly operates ultrasound and IVUS machines, having the knowledge of imaging and able to measure and visualize what the physician needs while physician is sterile.
- Under physician’s request, safely pulls sheath and holds pressure up to 20 minutes.
- Performs room set-up, depending on type of procedure and per physician request.
- Sets up tray and power inject under sterile technique.
- Scrubs-in under sterile technique to assist physician, when requested.
- Cleans procedure room properly and in a timely fashion to be able to flip room over to get the next patient in.
- Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices.
- Serves as liaison between patient and physician when necessary.
- Helps set up proper Radiation policies and protocols for AAAHC.
- Responds to patient emergencies as needed.
- Serves as the practice’s Radiation Safety Officer, manages radiation badges, makes sure co-workers wear proper lead, and posts policies and reports.
- Provides and maintains inventory control for vascular-specific supplies such as catheters, guidewires, stents, atherectomy devices, balloons, etc.
- Assists physicians in determining quantities for purchase, uses professional judgement to select the most appropriate and cost-effective method for completing the requested procedure.
- Professionally interacts with companies’ representatives per physician request.
- Obtains special equipment in a timely manner for certain procedures per physician request.
- Maintains compliance with government and reimburser requirements and with clinic standards of care.
- Directly enters medication, laboratory, and/or radiology orders into the electronic medical record per state, local and professional guidelines.
- Provides support to clerical and clinical staff and providers as needed.
- Completes forms in accordance with office and IHA protocols. Sends letters and reminders to patients.
- Performs other duties as assigned and works within the scope of Radiology Technology certification/registration/licensure.
- In addition to Vascular Interventional Technologist job functions, may work as a radiology technologist with the following responsibilities:
- Interprets patient histories and physician instructions.
- Prepares patients for procedures utilizing aseptic and sterile technique.
- Positions patients for radiologic examination. Selects exposure factors, takes exposure and processes images, practices radiation protection.
- Performs diagnostic radiographic procedures through the application of ionizing radiation to produce digitized images.
- Records pertinent information on requisitions.
- Cleans work area, examination rooms and equipment as needed; performs limited maintenance of equipment.
- Performs image-management duties within the PACS system and NextGen, as required.
- Check out duties, including assisting with ensuring that patient encounter forms are completed thoroughly and accurately.
ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS:
- Creates a positive, professional, service-oriented work environment for staff, patients and family members by supporting the mission and values of both IHA and Trinity Health.
- Must be able to work effectively as a member of the patient care team.
- Successfully completes IHA’s “The Customer” training and adheres to IHA’s standard of promptly providing a high level of service and respect to internal or external customers.
- Maintains knowledge of and complies with IHA standards, policies and procedures.
- Maintains complete knowledge of office services and in the use of all relevant office equipment, computer and manual systems.
- Maintains strict patient and employee confidentiality in compliance with IHA and HIPAA guidelines.
- Serves as a role model by demonstrating exceptional ability and willingness to take on new and additional responsibilities. Embraces new ideas and respects cultural differences.
- Uses resources efficiently.
- If applicable, responsible for ongoing professional development – maintains appropriate licensure/certification and continuing education credentials, participates in available learning opportunities.
MEASURED BY:
Performance that meets or exceeds IHA CARES Values expectation as outlined in IHA Performance Review document, relative to position.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited school of radiologic technology or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
CREDENTIALS/LICENSURE: Valid registration by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology; valid CPR certification.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE: 1-2 years’ experience.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS (ABILITIES & SKILLS):
- Knowledge of patient care/radiology procedures and organizational policies related to position responsibilities.
- Understanding of CPT and ICD-9/ICD-10 coding.
- Ability to operate ultrasound and IVUS machines.
- Ability to practice radiation protection.
- Ability to work in high stress situations due to the fact that should complications arise, the patient can be quickly placed in a life-threatening position.
- Proficient/knowledgeable in medical terminology.
- Ability to perform mathematical calculations needed during the course of performing essential job duties.
- Proficient in operating a standard desktop and Windows-based computer system, including but not limited to, electronic medical records, email, e-learning, intranet, Microsoft Word and Excel, and computer navigation. Ability to use other software as required while performing the essential functions of the job.
- Excellent communication skills in both written and verbal forms, including proper phone etiquette.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment; displays courteous and friendly demeanor.
- Ability to work effectively with various levels of organizational members and diverse populations including IHA staff, providers, patients, family members, hospital and radiology staff, non-IHA providers and staff.
- Ability to cross-train in other areas of practice in order to achieve smooth flow of all operations.
- Good organizational and time management skills to effectively juggle multiple priorities and time constraints.
- Demonstrates strong critical thinking skills and sound judgement, able to trouble shoot while under pressure.
- Ability to handle patient and organizational information in a confidential manner.
- Knowledge of the compliance aspects of clinical care and patient privacy and best practices in medical office operations.
- Successful completion of IHA competency-based program within introductory and training period.
- Ability to travel to other office/practice sites and meeting and training locations.
MINIMUM PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS:
- Physical activity that often requires keyboarding, phone work and charting.
- Physical activity that often requires extensive time working on a computer.
- Physical activity that often requires handling and lifting patients walking, standing, bending, stooping, reaching, climbing, kneeling and/or twisting.
- Physical activity at may involve applying and holding pressure for up to 20 minutes.
- Physical activity that often requires lifting, pushing and/or pulling over 50 lbs.
- Physical activity that sometimes requires lifting, pushing and/or pulling up to 100 lbs.
- Ability to wear lead and stand for eight hours.
- Specific vision abilities required include close vision, depth perception, peripheral vision and the ability to adjust and focus.
- Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, photocopier, telephone, calculator and other office equipment.
- Must hear and speak well enough to conduct business over the telephone or face to face for long periods of time in English
MINIMUM ENVIRONMENTAL EXPECTATIONS:
This job operates in a medical facility and requires regular walking to various locations around the hospital/clinic. Employees will be working where there is patient care equipment. Hazardous materials, including bloodborne pathogens and bodily fluids are also present. Exposure to sharps, x-rays, patients' conditions and some unpleasant sights, smells and contagious diseases is possible. This position requires significant interaction with people (many of whom are scared, hurt and/or ill) which can be stressful and result in competing priorities