Assurgent Techno

Archive for March, 2011

Radiology / X-Ray – a fascinating world of medicine and technology!

Did you know that x-rays were invented by accident?

In 1895, a German physicist named Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen made a discovery, which he later termed “x-rays,” while experimenting with an electron beam in a gas discharge tube. Roentgen noticed that a fluorescent screen in his lab started to glow when the electron beam was turned on.  Roentgen’s tube was surrounded by heavy black cardboard, so he continued to investigate what mysterious entity might be traveling right through matter.  This discovery laid the foundation for what we know to be the field of Radiologic Technology.

Beginning in the early 1900’s, the use of x-rays in medicine marked an immense change in the way that patient anomalies were diagnosed. Using x-ray imaging, physicians were able to see the internal structures in the human body—bony structures, hollow organs, and soft tissues without the use of invasive and dangerous surgical procedures. Today, the field of Radiologic Technology includes other diagnostic techniques and modalities, some of which do not use ionizing radiation. For this reason, the more accurate terminology used for this branch of medicine is Diagnostic Medical Imaging.  The continuous expansion of this profession and the diversity of methods used for diagnosis have allowed the modern Radiologic Technologist tremendous growth within this field—both in upward and lateral mobility.  

The career potential is expanding along with its learning opportunities. After the successful completion of the classroom and clinical experiential training, graduates must obtain state and/or national certification to be employed as a Radiologic Technologist. Once certified, a Radiologic Technologist may work in an acute-care setting in a hospital, or in an outpatient facility or doctor’s office. The technologist utilizes modern digital technology to create images in the radiographic facility, or in emergency rooms, surgical suites, and at the patient’s bedside. Some technologists choose to be employed by mobile companies and cover large geographical regions in vans equipped with sophisticated diagnostic equipment. Preparation for this profession is offered in hospitals, colleges and universities as well as vocational schools and academies.

What else do Radiologic Technologists do?

When assisting in fluoroscopy, for example, they might prepare a solution of contrast medium for the patient to drink, allowing the radiologist to examine some of the hollow organs and other dynamic structures within the body, such as the heart.   Technologists are also utilized during endoscopic procedures, pacemaker insertions, in the operating room, emergency room, neonatal nursery and in ICU.

There are many more areas in which the expertise of an experienced Radiologic Technologist is needed.  They may be involved in more complex imaging procedures, such as areas of cardiovascular interventional procedures, angiography, mammography, bone densitometry, CT, and MRI, to name a few.

For the skilled radiographer, the creation of diagnostic images is both an art and a science.  We utilize complex equipment and apply critical thinking under adverse conditions to create an image with maximum information while minimizing exposure to the patient. It is very gratifying to play such a role in helping our patients achieve health. In addition to preparing patients and operating equipment, we learn how to keep patient records and adjust and maintain equipment. We also may prepare work schedules, evaluate purchases of equipment, and eventually might manage a radiology department. Medical Imaging is a magnificent addition to the world of medicine.  

Radiologic technologists are never exposed to the primary beam, but will receive a small amount of secondary exposure within the occupational dose limits established by the government.  Both technologists and students are carefully monitored for any radiation exposure received, utilizing individual state-of-the-art monitoring devices read monthly by specialized labs.  Exposure is minimized by the use of lead aprons, gloves, and other shielding devices. The changes today in regard to the growth of radiologic specialization and in general diagnostic imaging are projected to move in the direction of upward and lateral mobility.   It is a growing and expanding profession.

A good analogy is a tree that grows and produces more and more branches, so does diagnostic imaging ; it branches out into separate fields, like Ultrasound, MRI, CT and X-Ray. It’s a great field to be in, because you will never be bored. There are always more options, more specialties that come up due to this growth and technological advancements!

A radiology information system is a computerized database that is used by radiology departments so that they can store, organize and manipulate and distribute patient radiology data and imagery. The radiology practice and its needs have become very complex and medical software developers have created the next generation of radiology information technology software.

The RIS system consists of patient tracking information, scheduling information, and the result of reports and image tracking data.

Radiology information systems and EMR (Electronic Medical Records) systems are vital so that information can be transferred efficiently to radiology practices.

Some of the basic features of Radiology information systems are:
o Patient Registration and scheduling
o Patient List Management
o Interface with modality via Work list.
o Radiology Department work flow management
o Request and document scanning
o Result(s) Entry
o Reporting and printout
o Result(s) Delivery including faxing and e-mailing of clinical reports
o Patient Tracking
o Interactive Documents
o Technical Files Creation
o Modality and Material management.

Within radiology practices and billing companies, many radiologists and administrators depend on EMR and RIS so that the business side of their companies can be managed more efficiently by providing critical billing, scheduling and work flow information.

The benefits of a Radiology information system can be seen in the following areas: Scheduling and Registration, Technologist Overflow, PACS Integration and Dictation, Transcription, Report Signing and Automatic Distribution, Referral Access Module, and Billing and Collections.

All of these features are flexible and very organized, especially the Report Signing and Automatic Distribution and the Referral Web Access Module.

With the Report Signing and Automatic Distribution, the radiologist with a single click, can move swiftly and accurately from one report to the next. In addition, the physician also has the option to edit a report before signing it. A medical dictionary spell checker is also available.

The Referral Web Access Module is a fantastic feature; for with this added feature, referring physicians can submit appointment requests through the internet, check on the status of a patient’s appointment, and print a customizable referral receipt. In addition, physicians can manage their own profiles and indicate how they would like reports and films sent to them. This system also shows the status of a patient’s report, indicating if it has been dictated or not. If it is complete, the doctor can view the report on the screen and/or print it.

Do you possess strong mechanical skills and have an adequate background in science? Then perhaps becoming a Radiology Technician is just the right career for you. Through this guide, you will learn about the different aspects of this medical profession, thus you will learn how to make the right choices while pursuing this career.

Responsibilities of a Radiology Technician

Being a part of this profession involves carrying several tasks and responsibilities conducts on a daily basis. Some of these key responsibilities involve:

Explaining technical procedures to the patients in simple terminology Following the doctor’s orders thus resulting in the best care for the patient Positioning patients while taking X-rays in order to get the best view of the problem areas Working as a specialist in computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or with other imaging procedures Performing fluoroscopy Maintaining machines and equipment in use to achieve optimum results Developing films so that the doctors can easily use them to diagnose the different medical problems and thus treat them effectively Maintaining an up to date patients’ records while ensuring not to breach the level of confidentiality Attempting to minimize any sort of exposure risks for the patients as well as themselves by using gloves, aprons and other protective items.

Training

In order to become a Radiology Technician, you must first complete high school and then enroll in an associate’s degree program. These are normally two years long and should be accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiology Technology. The program also entails rigorous coursework and concentrates on areas like anatomy, physiology, radiation physics, radiation protection, etc.

In case you are already working in the health care sector, you can easily complete a one-year radiology certification.

Licensing and Certification

A majority of the states now require you to get a license in order to ensure that they are adequately trained to protect themselves and others from unnecessary exposure to radiation.

Apart from this, you are also required to get certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). However, in order to do so, you must graduate from an accredited radiology program and pass an exam administered by the ARRT. In addition, you must complete a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education every two years in order to be re-certified.

Career Outlook

The future prospect for this profession is very bright with an average income of approximately $65,000 annually. Moreover, there is a lot of room for growth within this field, and you can always continue your education further to progress your career.

Thus, if think that you possess a strong mechanical aptitude and can manage long hours of work, then perhaps becoming a Radiology Technician is just the right career for you.