4A26

PAY RANGE: 18


MAMMOGRAPHER-2017

 

GENERAL DEFINITION

 

This is technical radiology work at the advanced level providing screening mammography related procedures at an assigned district Health Center. An employee in this class reviews requests for mammography and operates radiological equipment to produce x-rays. Work includes screening patients for mammography and positioning patient’s breast for proper exposure. Contact with patients, physicians and outside institutions regarding requests for mammography and/or transfer of mammogram films, is significant to the work. Employees are responsible for performing all required quality control tests to ensure compliance with the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations and quality control standards of the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Work involves moderate physical effort and potential hazards and is performed under the general supervision of a technical superior.

 

ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)

 

  1. Employees in this class must perform technical radiology work at the advanced level providing screening mammography related procedures at an assigned district Health Center.
  2. Employees must be responsible for performing quality control tests to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.

 

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

 

Uses ionizing radiation or digital machinery to create images of the breast for breast cancer screening and diagnostic purposes; reviews requests for mammograms; determines the number of films needed to complete study; screens patient for x-rays; explains procedure for mammogram to patients (number of x-rays to be taken, how they should be taken, and compression necessary to obtain an optimal study); observes patient to insure safety and comfort during scan; recognizes patient discomfort or medical problems and takes appropriate action; guides patients through process by answering their questions and concerns regarding exam procedures and processes; screens individuals by inquiring if they have used products such as deodorant, powder, lotions or perfumes that might create a calcified appearance on films; uses mammogram-wipe to remove residual from breast area if necessary.

Selects proper patient breast receptor size and disinfects it in order to obtain quality view; positions patient breast for proper exposure; selects proper film size, loads film into cassette if necessary; positions imaging equipment and adjusts controls according to specification of examination

Contacts patients to inform them of their mammogram appointments and may explain to patients the procedures for breast self examination instructions; sends letters to patients confirming their mammogram appointments; makes follow-up calls to confirm appointments; reschedules appointments if necessary; prepares schedules for mammogram appointments.

Enters, transcribes, records, stores, or maintains information in electronic format; evaluates all abnormal diagnoses and follow-up required by the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA.)

May prepare darkroom; cleans, sets up, evaluates and documents image quality to assure compliance with The American Registry of Radiologic Technology and The Mammography Quality Standard Act; conducts various types of diagnostic and quality control tests on equipment on a daily basis; analyzes and logs tests results and compares to standards to ensure facility and equipment meet federal and state guidelines; maintains radiological equipment and supplies; makes recommendations to supervisor regarding inventory and supply needs; cleans equipment and processor; checks processor for temperature and solution contamination as necessary; runs tests on a daily basis to insure proper functioning of equipment; may diagnose equipment malfunction; documents dark room image or digital image quality to assure compliance to standards; contacts appropriate agency in the event of equipment malfunction; makes decision to close mammography lab or cancels and reschedules patient appointment as necessary in the event of equipment malfunction or quality control test failure.

Maintains logs of patients, abnormal examinations, and test results to prepare for and coordinate the annual audit by the US Federal Drug Administration to maintain Health Center accreditation. 

Takes processing strips and phantom image prior to mammogram procedure to insure quality control and dirt-free environment: prepares exam area, displays all information and educational forms and materials.

Reviews patient history/previous mammogram (if any); verifies date of previous mammogram; completes patient and health insurance encounter forms to include in log of mammogram services provided; enters patient demographics into electronic medical records; determines the diagnostic code for mammogram based on results; refers patient to Radiology center or appropriate hospital for abnormal screening results.  

Keys commands and specifies sequences, adjusts transmitters and receivers, and operates mammogram equipment to produce x-rays; monitors video display of area being imaged and adjusts density or contrast to improve picture quality; instructs patients on what to do if they develop breast discomfort.

Reviews films and critiques developed films for technical quality; submits processed films to requesting physician or radiologist for review; coordinates with radiologists for receipt of reports and diagnosis; requests, records and maintains logs of all patient activity in files and/or digitally.

Prepares monthly reports which indicate the number of mammograms taken; patients seen and results determined.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

 

KNOWLEDGE OF:

 

·                     the principles, practices and procedures involved in mammography work.

·                     the materials and supplies used in mammography applications.

·                     the occupational hazards and safety precautions involved in mammography procedures

·                     the human anatomy as it relates to anatomical structures

·                     the Mammography Quality Standards Act and regulations, and their implementation

·                     medical insurance allowances

·                     ADA regulations

·                     standards of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists

·                     principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including customer needs assessment and meeting quality standards for services

 

SKILL IN:

 

·                     controlling operations of mammogram equipment

·                     monitoring control panel gauges, dials, or other indicators to make insure the mammographic unit is operating at an optimal level

·                     conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate image quality

·                     developing mammography films

 

ABILITY TO:

 

·                     review requests for mammograms and determine the correct size of the image receptor and the number of films needed to complete study

·                     perform quality control testing to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations

·                     screen patient for x-rays and explain procedure involved

·                     position patient breast for proper exposure prepare and maintain mammography records, files and reports

·                     recognize when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong

·                     understand and follow oral and written instructions

·                     establish and maintain effective working relationships with physicians, associates and the public

·                     use beam- restrictive devices and patient-shielding techniques to minimize radiation exposure to patient and staff

 

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 9/14.)

 

REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

 

Current Registration by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists as a Radiologic Technologist in both Radiography and Mammography - R.T.(R)(M)(ARRT) at time of application and during tenure of employment as a Mammographer.

 

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

 

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

 

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

 

Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator’s license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania at the time of appointment and during tenure of employment as a Mammographer.

 

 

Class Established: CSC: 6/04, Ad Board: 8/04

Spec. Revision: CSC: 5/07, Ad Board: 7/07

CSC: 2/10, Ad Board: 3/10

Latest Spec. Revision:

CSC: 8/14

Ad Board: 9/14

Change in title:

CSC - 4/18

Ad Board - 5/18

 

CP