Careers

TITLE:

Radiologist Assistant (RA)

DEPARTMENT:

Radiology of Indiana

ROLE OVERVIEW:

The purpose of this position is to perform Radiologist Assistant duties with accuracy and efficiency.  This is to be accomplished in accordance with established company policies and procedures.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

2 years of experience as Radiologist Assistant preferred.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

Graduate of approved Radiologist Assistant program.  RAs must be certified as radiographer by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and have passed the RA certification examination offered by the ARRT. Must fulfill continuing education requirements to maintain (ARRT) registration.  ACLS certification required.

REQUIRED LICENSE:

ARRT license and Indiana State license required

EMPLOYEE TYPE:

Salary

REPORTS TO:

Chief Operating Officer

MAJOR FUNCTIONS:

 Listed below are major duties and responsibilities of the Radiologist Assistant.  The person hired for this position is delegated the authority, responsibility, and accountability to carry out his/her assigned duties.  Even though the job description is broad, every effort has been made to make it as complete as possible.  However, it must be emphasized that this position may be required to perform other duties and activities.

• The RA takes a leading role in patient management and assessment. Duties in this area include determining whether a patient has been appropriately prepared for a procedure, obtaining patient consent prior to beginning the examination, answering questions from the patient and his or her family, and adapting exam protocols to improve diagnostic quality. The radiologist assistant also is expected to serve as a patient advocate, ensuring that each patient receives quality care while in the radiology department or clinic.  Call coverage on a rotation basis through several hospital is required.

• The radiologist assistant performs selected radiology examinations and procedures under the supervision of a
  radiologist. The level of radiologist supervision varies, depending on the type of examination. These primarily include, but not limited to.
  • Fluoroscopy barium studies (geriatric, adult, and pediatric patients)
  • Joint injections/aspirations/arthrograms
  • Hysterosalpingograms
  • Lumbar Punctures/Myelograms
  • Loopograms
  • Fistulagrams
  • Nasoenteric tube placements
  • VCUGs/Cystograms (adult and infant bladder catheter insertions)
  • Nephrograms
  • Modified Barium Swallows

• The RA may be responsible for evaluating image quality, making initial image observations, and forwarding
  those observations to the supervising radiologist. The supervising radiologist remains responsible for providing
  a final written report, an interpretation, or a diagnosis.

• Image acquisition and communication of image evaluation reports.
• Document clinical history and physical examination, informed consent, and procedural notes in patient’s electronic medical record.
• Appropriately document and record procedure(s) following policy and procedure guidelines for quality assurance and safety standards.
• Perform imaging procedures under direct/personal supervision of the radiologist, make initial observations, and communicate those observations to the radiologist.
• Provide physician-prescribed post-care instructions to patients.
• Communicate radiologist’s report to referring physician following ACR communication guidelines.
• Performing follow-up patient evaluation and communicating findings to the radiologist.
• Write discharge summary as directed for review and co-signature by the supervising radiologist.
• Act as a liaison between the supervising physician and ancillary staff to ensure quality of patient care. Create initial dictation of bone densitometry and calcium score exams for radiologists to interpret and finalize.
• Provides direct patient care
• Works with the hospital’s technologists, speech therapists, and imaging administrative staff.
• Uses universal precautions while completing procedures.
• Provides on-call services as directed by the Radiologists and/or Chief Operating Officer
• Completes histories and physicals.
• Provides acute and chronic care per protocol.
• Triage’s patient phone calls to facilitate patient care delivery.
• Responds to medical emergencies.
• Completes procedures within their scope of practice under the supervision of the Radiologists
• Communicates effectively with colleagues, patients, physicians, and administration.
• Demonstrates positive and effective verbal communication skills with patients, families, and co-workers.
• Demonstrates effective written communication skills.
• Documents clearly and concisely.
• Documents clinical information in the patient record.
• Maintains, interprets, and applies basic clinical practice statistics.
• Educates patients and families.
• Provides staff education formally and informally.
• Demonstrates efficient management of time and resources.
• Adheres to practice standards and RA code of ethics.
• Utilizes and conducts research/inquiry appropriate to clinical setting.
• Provides leadership.
• Serves as role model and resource.
• Attends and participates in required meetings.
• Formulates appropriate professional goals.
• Evaluates goal attainment and revises goals on an on-going basis.
• Acts as a patient advocate by maintaining patient confidentiality.
• Ability to develop health education and marketing programs and materials.
• Cooperate and upholds the policies and procedures of Radiology of Indiana and hospitals.
• Comply with all HIPAA Privacy and Security Policies and Procedures.
• Perform other related duties as may become necessary or as directed by the Radiologists.