X-ray technicians, or techs, administer diagnostic tests that use radioactive energy to create images of the internal structures of the body, particularly the bones. Technicians work in a variety of settings, like hospitals, physician offices and outpatient care centers, and may perform tests upon people of all ages. In addition to the actual testing, x-ray techs perform a variety of clerical and other duties.
Preparation
An x-ray tech's duties begin before patients arrive in the testing area. Technicians spend time studying the patient's prescription for the x-ray to understand precisely what part of the body the physician requires images of and for what reason. After studying the prescription, x-ray techs review the patient's medical history by reading over a questionnaire, studying a paper medical record or accessing information in a computer system. Techs look for any medical conditions that may affect the testing, such as a current pregnancy or an allergy to latex that may require wearing different gloves.
Testing
After the preparation process, x-ray techs are ready to complete the duties that relate to the actual testing. Often, this begins by escorting the patient to the area where the test takes place. Techs introduces themselves and describe what will happen during the test, answering any questions for patients. After positioning the patient for the test, the technician goes into an adjoining room and gives the patient instructions using a microphone. The technician uses controls to take the image and repeats the process until all ordered images are complete. Once the patient leaves, the tech prepares the film for developing or uses a computer to print the images.
Clerical Tasks
X-ray techs update patient paper or computer-based records by describing what test was performed and when. In some facilities, techs also fill out paperwork used to submit requests for payment for completed x-rays to insurance companies. Depending on the facility, x-ray techs may also answer phone calls, make or change appointments for tests, and order necessary supplies for the department.
Equipment
Techs maintain the equipment used for x-rays, performing routine cleanings and adjustments necessary to keep the machinery running smoothly. When problems occur with the equipment, x-ray techs attempt to diagnose and correct the malfunction. If this is not possible, techs schedule service for the machinery.
Safety
Part of the duties of x-ray techs is promoting a safe environment for both the patients and themselves. To accomplish this, techs sterilize surfaces on the testing equipment and assure that gowns that patients wear are not reused until washed. Techs wash their hands frequently and may wear gloves when handling patients, as well. In addition, techs place specialized shields on the parts of the patients' bodies not being tested to avoid potentially dangerous exposure to radiation.
Privacy
Due to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), techs have a duty to protect patients' medical information. This means not releasing information about the test or the patient to people who do not have the patient's authorization and not discussing information about the patient with people not directly involved in the patient's care. Techs must also protect the actual records by keeping paper files in secure locations and ensuring that any computers that save medical records are not accessible to unauthorized persons.
Tags: x-ray techs, actual testing, information about, prescription x-ray, techs also, x-ray techs
