"Radiologist Assistant"

Overview

Working with the team of radiologists and hospital personnel in the Body Imaging Division of the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, the postholder will assist with the provision of efficient, timely care of patients referred for diagnostic imaging studies and procedures. Radiologist Assistants (RAs) are well recognized physician extenders whose focus is strictly within the Radiology Department. This position will assist with the following tasks:

Body Imaging Procedural Consult: Receive patient information and requests for procedures. Verify procedure orders. Review relevant clinical information including prior imaging, notes, labs, medications, etc. Request additional imaging or labs as necessary prior to procedure. Educate other services on departmental protocol regarding anticoagulation guidelines. Gather a focused, relevant patient summary to present to procedural attending for approval. Obtain procedural approval and relay any additional requirements to ordering team. Document procedural consultations in the medical record. Work with scheduling to triage requests and provide timely appointments for inpatients/outpatients.

Body imaging procedures include: ultrasound guided thyroid/neck lymph node fine need aspiration; fluoroscopy; injection of rectal and vaginal contrast medium prior to MRI /CT.

Administrative: Under supervision, RA will enter appropriate protocols for requested CT and MR examinations into the medical record. RA will answer questions and telephone calls from technical staff, referring clinicians, and others.

This position will work a combination of day and evening shifts (5-11pm). Responsibilities during the evening shift are primarily administrative (protocols for MR and CT, answering questions and telephone calls) and communicating exam results.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Demonstrated ability to make appropriate independent decisions and initiate activity with minimal supervision and meticulous attention to detail.
2. Well-developed oral and written communication skills.
3. Excellent organizational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities.
4. Ability to be flexible in scheduling as needed in order to maintain appropriate coverage.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Evaluates the clinical indication and appropriateness of imaging studies. Obtains detailed patient history and documentation to assist referring physicians in ordering appropriate imaging exams.
2. Approves protocol studies, such as CT, MR, Fluoroscopy and ultrasound exams, and prioritizes the performance and interpretation of those studies.
3. Reviews reports and provides information to clinicians on reported studies.
4. Issues Critical Radiology Test Results via the Veriphy alert system where appropriate.
5. Acts as liaison between radiologists, referring clinicians, technologists, nursing staff, patients and their families. Coordinates all aspects of care with section secretaries.
6. Performs fluoroscopic examinations under the supervision of the attending radiologist.
7. Reviews and dictates ED and various inpatient exams under the supervision of the attending radiologist.
8. Participates in a variety of internal clinical and educational multi-disciplinary conferences.
9. Assists in the proctoring program that is in place for physicians who are practicing outside of their area of sub specialization or who are new to the practice. May involve tracking the proctored cases and following up on communication and reconciliation of discrepant readings.
10. Obtains informed consent from patients when necessary.
11. Responds to telephone calls to the radiologist. Refers appropriate enquiries to the relevant individual. Makes follow-up telephone calls/pages/email communication as clinically appropriate.
12. Provides appropriate education to patients and family members regarding medical findings, radiation, contrast and procedures. Participates in the development of general educational material and consent forms for patients.
13. Provides written instructions to patient and family regarding clinical care.
14. Screens prospective patients for medical eligibility in research protocols and clinical trials. Obtains informed consent when necessary for these various diagnostic and interventional procedures. Develops and manages procedures for intake, medical monitoring and follow-up of these patients. Attends related professional meetings; stays abreast of research literature.
15. Assists with the design and development of presentations, manuscripts and grant and clinical trial proposals.
16. Assists in the development and implementation of new protocols including writing and editing protocols for HIC submission.
17. Oversees data collection for the clinical trials and research studies and maintains strict adherence to protocol requirements as demanded by HIC and FDA.
18. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Masters degree in Radiologic Science.

Salary Range

$92,000.00 - $146,750.00

Location

55 York Street, New Haven, Connecticut