Echocardiogram Technician

Job Summary:

Under the general supervision, performs diagnostic cardiac ultrasounds examinations. Obtains necessary images, prepares study for interpretation by the cardiologist, reviews data and may confer with the appropriate medical personnel. Delineate both normal and abnormal human anatomy as well as pathological conditions of the heart. Assists in interventional procedures such as Transesophageal Echocardiograms, Pericardiocentesis, Cardioversions, Post-surgical repairs. Reviews medical record to identify any significant medical history which may impact the study. Performs other related functions as required, which include but are not limited to maintenance of equipment, supplies, logs, and medical record documentation. Supports philosophies and complies with policies and procedures of the organization and Cardiology Department.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Upholds Kaiser Permanentes Policies and Procedures, Principles of Responsibilities, and applicable state, federal, and local laws.
• Performs all echocardiogram procedures, including, but not limited to:
• Utilizes ultrasounds modalities of 2D, M-Mod, Strain, 3D Quantification, color flow, and Doppler Testing for visualization of all possible cardiac structures, prosthesis, and pertinent arterial and venous anatomy and flow of blood.
• Contrast Transthoracic Echocardiograms (TTE).
• Bubble Studies (Agitated Saline)
• Exercise Stress Echocardiogram (with or without contrast).
• Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram (with or without contrast).
• Complex Adult Congenital Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE).
• Imaging of complex congenital heart disease requiring surgical intervention (pre & post).
• Adult Congenital Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE).
• Assist in emergency bedside echo guided procedures, including pericardiocentesis.
• Assist in Interventional Echocardiography Procedures, including Guided Alcohol Septal Ablation IMPELLA, TAVR, Mitral clip, ASD/PFO closure device, and other related complex devices implanted in the heart.
• Valvuloplasty procedures (radiation exposure).
• Participate in clinical trials and perform specific research protocol for multiple research studies, including TAVR, Amulet, Nit-Occlud.
• Comprehensive echo protocols, including Post LAVAD and MitraClip.
• Assists physician with Transesophageal Echocardiogram procedures (TEE).
• Selects appropriate transducer and adjust equipment controls according to depth of field. Searches for cardiac pathology moving transducer over heart at varying angles to visualize and record various anatomical areas of heart by way of real time imaging. Evaluates direction and speed of intracardiac blood flow using doppler. Assesses cardiac valves for pathology.
• Utilizes ultrasonic imaging devices (i.e., transducers, monitors) to produce optimized image quality.
• Explain examination, test and medical procedures and the purpose of it. Review, explain, and clarify physician orders with patient or parent.
• Reviews referrals and past echo if applicable and documents per workflow.
• Greets patients and explains procedures; completes medical record documentation; reviews order, referrals, and past echo, if applicable, and documents per workflow for any specified area of focus.
• Positions patient to obtain the desired images; manipulates equipment to obtain sufficient quality and quantity of images for diagnostic interpretation.
• Completes department specific logs as directed.
• Computes recorded data to determine response factors, using computation tables and formulas, and prepares reports for interpretation by cardiologist.
• Adjusts and sets-up equipment, checks functionality of equipment, sterilizes probes. Performs minor adjustment on the echocardiogram equipment and arranges for service for any major repairs.
• Orders necessary supplies to ensure ongoing utilization of the equipment.
• Confers with cardiologist concerning special patients to determine if areas other than those considered standard for a particular problem are to be imaged.
• Responds immediately to Stat requests from physicians for patient echocardiogram examinations and relays findings to the referring physician by phone or by transmittal of examination reports.
• Completes order in Health Connect. Completes all required documentation in echo system and sends echo for interpretation by cardiologist.
• Downloads information/images to digital system. Per department protocol, provides CD copies of images.
• Performs EKGs EKG tracing with echocardiogram.
• Establishes and maintains courteous and cooperative relations when interacting with all customers.
• Provides training to physicians and other Cardiac Sonographers.
• Participates in on-call rotation.
• Participates in the weekend rotation.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Basic Qualifications:

Experience

• Minimum one (1) year in the last three years full-time equivalent experience in cardiac ultrasound.

Education

• Completion of an accredited two-year ARDMS/ARDCS Cardiovascular sonographer program.

License, Certification, Registration

• Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer Adult Echocardiography Certification

• Basic Life Support

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to demonstrate working knowledge of ultrasound equipment and procedures.
• Ability to maneuver ultrasound equipment which may exceed 500lbs.
• Able to communicate in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• N/A

Notes:

• Variable shifts.

• Rotating weekends.

• On-Call required for after hours and weekends.

• Must be able to arrive at the hospital within .30 minutes of being paged.

• Job duties with at least occasional or possible access to: (1) patients, the general public, or other employees; (2) confidential protected health information and other confidential KP information (including employee, proprietary, financial or trade secret information); (3) KP property and assets, for example, electronic assets, medical instruments, or devices; (4) controlled substances regulated by federal law or potentially subject to diversion.