Radiology Secretary

Radiology Information System Support

Provides support to direct and indirect care to patients utilizing the Radiology Information System (RIS) and the Picture Archive Communications System (PACS). Assumes the responsibility of assuring patient information is correct and complete, greets patients, assures the radiologists have the previous images available for interpretation, and assures the Radiology reports are sent to the correct destination. Assumes the responsibility of providing patients and / or physician offices with copies of patient images for continued patient care.

Responsibilities :

• Complies with established occupational BBF and TB exposure policies.
• Distributes daily schedule.
• Retrieving mammography folders if images were taken before digital mammography. Previous images are digitized and sent to PACS. Patient jackets are updated with color-coded stickers.
• Separate radiology reports and distribute in accordance with department policy.
• Assures all previous mammography / breast ultrasound images are available for radiologists' interpretation before the patient's examination.
• Directs patients to the dressing room, informing them what articles of clothing must be removed, providing them with a hospital gown, and informing them what to do with their clothing and valuables.
• Scans signed authorizations for release of information forms into RIS. Makes copies and / or faxes reports, as requested. Assures all faxed physician orders are distributed to the appropriate radiology reception areas.
• Assures waiting room and changing room areas are straightened and cleaned up each shift, linen bins emptied if necessary, ample supply of clean linen is available.
• Greets patients and assists them as required, i.e., directs them to the proper waiting area, informs them of any delays and / or cancellations. Enters patients into the department via the computer system, verifies order information, and scans physician orders into RIS.
• Relays prep instructions to patients when necessary
• Answering telephone, taking and delivering messages; relays routine information to physicians, technologists, patients, hospital personnel, and / or visitors. Answering telephone and following through expeditiously with telephone requests.
• Researches the computer file for each new patient to determine the date of last exam.
• Knowledge of hospital PACS to retrieve patient images. Knowledge of printing films or burning CDs from PACS. Knowledge of a digitizer to digitize pre-PACS images into the PACS system. Prints images or burns CDs for transport to the Operating Room, Endoscopy, nursing units, doctors' offices, etc., assuring authorizations are completed when necessary, and also that films are signed out in the computer. Is able to retrieve PACS studies for physicians within the department.

Education and Formal Training Required : High School Diploma or GED required.

Successful completion of a medical terminology course is preferred.

A graduate of a medical secretarial program is preferred.

Experience Required : None; previously functioned as a medical secretary in a hospital setting is preferred.

Other Qualifications : 1. Must be detail-oriented and personable. 2. Advanced knowledge of computers and efficiency in keyboard operation are required. 3. Able to communicate both verbally and in writing.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances :

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran