Partners Healthcare Systems

Job Description

Job Title:        Radiologist Assistant/Radiology Practitioner Assistant          Date:  6/07

Job Code:                               Grade:                                                  FLSA status: 

Department/Unit/Section: Radiology                                                        Reviewed by: Partners Radiology

Reports to:     Director of Radiology                                                              Last Revision: 6/08

General Summary Overview Statement

Under the supervision and direction of the Department of Radiology Director, the Radiologist Assistant/Radiology Practitioner Assistant (RA/RPA) is responsible for assisting the radiologist in the care of patients within the Department of Radiology.  The care will be in accordance with the role delineation set by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), the Practice Standards set forth by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) or other such governing documents that may be jointly approved by the American College of Radiology (ACR), the ASRT and American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).  This position will supplement the current radiology team structure and provide an added dimension for patient care.  The RA/RPA will be directly involved with patients undergoing identified fluoroscopic and/or invasive procedures as their training and expertise dictates, and serve, under the supervision of the radiologist, as a liaison between the Department of Radiology and the referring physicians.  The job will require effective communication with referring physicians about the above stated patients.  They will communicate with all staff involved with the patient’s care.  This may include, but not be limited to, Radiologic technologists, Radiology attending physicians, fellows, nurse coordinators, and the physicians and nurses caring for the patients.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• With appropriate competency based training and documentation, responsible for procedures identified by the Radiology department and hospital credentialing board, and as outlined in the ARRT Role Delineation document, the ASRT Practice Standards document, or other documents governing scope of practice that may be jointly approved by ACR, ASRT and ARRT.
• Perform selected duties and procedures, included in the ASRT Practice Standards document, ARRT Role Delineation document, or other documents governing scope of practice that may be jointly approved by ACR, ASRT and ARRT, as deemed appropriate by the attending and supervising Radiologist.

• Provides input when updating clinical protocols, divisional policies, and procedures with the Department Director, Operations Manager, and Chief Radiologist.
• Work with staff and attending/supervising radiologist to assess patient prior to exam/procedure, including review of chart for risk factors and contraindications.
• Responsible for case documentation and communication to involved clinicians pre, peri and post exam/procedure.
• Participates in clinical projects as identified by department administration including but not limited to coordination of BLS and ACLS training.
• Educational presentations: coordinates and presents in-services.
• Participation in rounds and conferences as required by the department and supervising radiologist
• Serve as a source of continuity of care for the patient and interface with fellows and/or attending radiologists on a daily basis regarding testing, treatment, requests or queries from referring services.
• Address patient consults to the appropriate radiology service as they arise.  This position will work with the referring physician office and nurse coordinator (where applicable) to gather the relevant history, review imaging with a radiologist and facilitate the appropriate procedure as needed.
• Assist the attending/supervising radiologist in the management of the daily fluoroscopy and/or invasive procedure schedule with respect to coordinating the procedures for patients with special needs including, but not limited to coagulation issues, consent issues, translation or anesthesia issues.  This position will have knowledge of the assigned patients on the daily schedule including those with the above-described problems and will help coordinate patient care for these groups.
• As directed by the supervising radiologist, interface with the frequent referring services (i.e. surgery, oncology, nephrology, etc.) as needed in the management of patients and serve as a liaison to these services.
• Perform patient history/physicals and consent on patients undergoing fluoroscopic or specialized invasive radiology procedures.
• Coordinate with nurse coordinators on post procedure care, as directed by the supervising radiologist.
• Assist in fluoroscopic or invasive procedures as a primary or secondary operator depending on the type of procedure involved, and the level of radiologist supervision required.
• Interface with supervisors or managers of CT, Ultrasound, Interventional and Fluoroscopy when necessary for coordinating and ordering of special materials used in procedures.
• Perform basic and advanced cardiac life support procedures as necessary and direct those efforts until the arrival of an attending physician.
• As applicable, under the direction of the supervising radiologist, assists medical students, residents and fellows rotating through the department.  Teaches other health care professionals about the management of patients in Radiology.

Qualifications

  5 years of Radiologic Technologist experience

  Active and valid ARRT certification and Massachusetts state RT license

  Graduate of accredited RA or RPA program (Must subsequently pass ARRT RA certification or hold CBRPA certification dated prior to12/31/07)

  BLS and ACLS certification required (AHA standards)

  Involved to some degree in division research, presentations, articles or other advanced academic activity

  Maintain license and all certifications by completing the required hours of CEUs (Continuing Education Units) designated by the ARRT and Massachusetts licensing authority

Skills/Abilities/Competencies

  Knowledge of PACS systems

  Department preceptor

  Must be involved in a professional society

  High level of computer efficiency

  Strong interpersonal and communication skills

  Possess the maturity, self-confidence and ability to follow complex patient management plans as directed by the attending/supervising radiologist.

  Must be able to demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served

  Possess the highest level of customer service in interacting with referring physicians; all other care providers, patients and their families.

  Must be able to lift more than 5 pounds.