Radiology

Radiology Support

The Department of Radiology at Mayo Clinic is fortunate to have numerous personnel who support the work of the physician staff. These employees care for Mayo Clinic patients in a team setting with nurses, sonographers, nuclear medicine technologists, radiologic technologists and radiography students. Each member of our team has a specific job role, which leads to superior patient care.

Clinical Assistant
The clinical assistant facilitates patient visits and supports the healthcare provider by anticipating and responding to patient needs and requests of the healthcare team. This individual allows care providers to focus on patient care by coordinating details of patient visits, which include: coordinating appointment schedules and daily activities of the care providers; preparing patients; completing pre-examination record information; managing the flow of patient materials; communicating scheduling delays or changes to the appropriate individuals; and serving as a direct contact and resource to the patient. The clinical assistant also performs duties of the patient service representative when the workload allows.

Lab Assistant
The lab assistant works directly with staff radiologists and residents during vascular/interventional and neuroradiology procedures. This requires being very knowledgeable in inventory and the use of many guidewires, catheters and balloons. The position requires excellent sterile technique, communication skills and flexibility in job assessments and hours. Lab assistants must be able to make quick decisions and work independently and there is an on-call commitment.

Limited Practice Technologist
The limited practice technologist performs X-ray examinations that meet the standards established by the Department of Radiology. This position requires competence in a variety of equipment and technology in general diagnostic imaging. This individual follows safety guidelines; fosters teamwork through effective communication; and maintains flexibility regarding work locations, shift times and shift lengths.

Medical Imaging Technical Services Technologist
The medical imaging technical services (MITS) technologist works independently within the Department of Radiology, both on the Mayo campus and as a consultant outside Mayo, using scientific methods to provide technical support for medical imaging equipment. Working closely with clinical staff, the MITS technologist assists with all technical aspects of medical imaging; performs quality-control testing; optimizes medical images; evaluates imaging protocols; supports imaging systems and information databases; and participates in professional educational activities. This technologist is also involved with the technical aspects of safety, regulatory compliance, and accreditation.

Medical Secretary
The medical secretary provides organizational, reception, and clerical support for patient care areas. The medical secretary supports patient care by maintaining an efficient, well-organized unit and keeping supplies and equipment available and properly stored. The medical secretary communicates information with patients, visitors, nursing and medical staff, and other departments. The medical secretary functions as a resource to members of the healthcare team in matters pertaining to nondirect patient care and is familiar with medical center resources.

Patient Service Representative
The patient service representative performs clerical, electronic and customer service duties. This individual manages the flow of patient information (medical records and test reports); coordinates physician and patient appointment schedules; receives patients and visitors; answers phones; and performs a other support activities. This individual interacts directly with physicians, patients, and other allied health staff, working extensively by phone. The percentage of time in direct physician contact varies according to the unit assignment and shift.

Processing Attendant
The processing attendant works cooperatively with X-ray technologists and radiologists. The position responsibilities include providing assistance and service to the work area to reduce patient waiting times and speed patient turnaround; X-ray film processing; preventive maintenance including reporting of anything unusual to processor maintenance; and film cassette transport. In addition, this individual covers on-call periods by carrying a pager and communicating with the operator; provides assistance to technical staff and physicians during procedures; and interprets multi-loader messages when they appear.

Radiology Aide
The radiology aide performs clerical, electronic and customer service duties to facilitate the flow of patients in the department. This individual answers phones; assists with patient transfers; performs duties related to image/film processing including darkroom work; transports patients via wheelchair or cart; and performs other support activities.

Radiology Nursing
Registered and licensed practical nurses work in the Department of Radiology, which staffs units in Saint Marys Hospital; the Charlton Building; the Gonda Building; and the Mayo Building. The department offers nursing support during diagnostic and therapeutic visits, providing continuity of care through patient assessment, contrast administration, interventional procedures, moderate sedation, and patient/family education. The radiology nurse can be found in magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, vascular/interventional radiology, genitourinary radiology, gastroenterologic radiology, pediatric radiology, breast imaging, and radiology research. In addition to staff nurses, the department has the support of a radiology RN clinical nurse educator. Nurses work under the direction of the radiologist on site.

Special Imaging Assistant
The special imaging assistant contributes quality clerical support in the department by providing accurate, timely information. The assistant works cooperatively with radiologists, supervisors, and technologists and acts as a liaison between radiology personnel and patients or other Mayo personnel.

Transcriptionist
The transcriptionist is responsible for transcription of radiology reports; maintaining confidentiality of patient information; and providing accurate reports as dictated by the radiologist. The extent to which the transcriptionist carries out typing of reports directly affects the radiologist's efficiency in dictating reports. The transcriptionist works closely with medical staff to provide secretarial support that will afford the most efficient use of provider time; maintains an effective working relationship with personnel both within and outside the institution; and provides professional secretarial support to meet the needs of patients, physicians, administrators, coworkers and others.