Echocardiogram Tech

1. Essential Job Functions:

• Perform imaging and non-imaging evaluations which may include echocardiography.
• Obtains patient history, explains procedures to patient, addresses patients’ concerns, and follows established pre-screening policy and procedure.
• Determines appropriate methodology and techniques to use; arranges immobilization and/or support devices for proper patient positioning; selects appropriate imaging device.
• Prepares patient for echocardiography procedures, positions patient as appropriate for prescribed procedure, and assists patients at completion of procedure.
• Uses good judgment when determining if the procedure was sufficient for proper diagnoses, or if additional imaging procedures are needed.
• Provides images, data analysis, and patient information to the physician for diagnostic interpretation.
• Prepares facilities in accordance with procedural requirements; calibrates equipment as required by the institution/manufacturer.
• Demonstrates a commitment to professionalism while undertaking all tasks and in all interactions with patients, clients, physicians, facility staff and the community at large
• Monitors the patient’s physical condition during the course of the procedure; report patient change of status or emergency situations to clinical staff, supervisor and/or cardiologist.
• Recognize abnormal rhythms and immediately notify Physician or appropriate clinical staff.
• Maintain accurate patient documentation, including computerized documentation.
• Performs general office duties: maintains stock supplies, assists administrators in determining quantities for purchase, records procedure codes for billing purposes, and scheduling patients.
• Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices. Identifies problems with equipment and notifies appropriate resources for diagnosis and repair and assists with evaluation of new equipment.

2. Interpretation, reporting, communication and documentation of studies

• Demonstrates understanding of cardiac disease processes in order to obtain complete acquisition of images for clinical diagnosis by the reading cardiologist.
• Reports pertinent information or changes of patient’s condition to physician, nurse and/or supervisor/senior tech incorporating age-specific information.
• Reports findings or concerns to reading physician for prompt interpretation.
• Records preliminary interpretation of studies on patient worksheet incorporating age specific information. Documents patient information and processes reports accurately and timely.
• Performs all related processing required for each completed study.
• Educates patients and/or patients' family regarding procedures performed and communicates effectively with patient and/or family.
• Uses the EMR with accuracy from a documentation standpoint and to enter all patient charges.
• Uses equipment and departmental resources appropriately.

3. Communicates effectively.

• Communicates and collaborates effectively with other health team members regarding patient condition, plan of care, patient satisfaction needs and recommendations for meeting identified outcomes.
• Identifies and recognizes abnormal symptoms/changes in patient condition, established priorities, and takes appropriate action. Appropriately reports condition changes to medical provider.
• Ensures exam times are punctual and informs patients if exam will be delayed.

4. Promotes and ensures patient and staff safety in all aspects of responsibilities.

• Administers procedures in a timely and safe manner according to healthcare provider orders and nursing policy, including appropriate performance of standard precautions, using two patient identifiers, and performing patient risk assessments every shift.
• Utilizes proper body mechanics, transfer/lifting techniques to minimize fall risk to patient and injury to self.
• Implements infectious disease controls as appropriate including isolation procedures, proper use of hand washing and gloves.
• Follows proper procedures for use and disposal of radioactive materials.

5. Performs other duties as assigned.