Radiology Tech Assistant MHO in South Bend, Indiana at Beacon Health System

The Radiology Tech Assistant provides direct assistance to technologists and imaging staff by transporting and preparing patients, supporting imaging workflows, and maintaining supplies and equipment. This position also assists with imaging clerical operations by managing PACS, Cerner, and other imaging systems to ensure accurate, efficient, and compliant image handling and patient registration processes. This position reports to the coordinator of the respective modality. The role interacts regularly with internal and external customers to ensure exceptional service, efficient patient flow, and adherence to departmental standards and hospital policies.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Patient Care & Support

• Transport and prepare patients safely for imaging procedures, following all patient identification and safety protocols.
• Verify patient identity and procedure details prior to exams; ensure armband accuracy.
• Assist in positioning patients, managing monitoring equipment, and providing comfort and reassurance, including for claustrophobic or anxious patients.
• Prepare and deliver oral contrast as directed; ensure appropriate labeling and documentation.
• Start IVs as directed by the technologist or provider, following hospital policy, maintain annual competency, and training requirements.
• Set up, clean, and restock exam rooms, ensuring readiness for each procedure.
• Utilize proper lifting techniques and aids (e.g., slide sheets, gurneys) to ensure patient and staff safety.

Department Operations & Workflow

• Register patients using hospital systems such as Cerner, ensuring accurate demographic, insurance, and physician information.
• Verify and update insurance coverage and collect applicable copayments or deductibles.
• Coordinate the Verification of Benefits (VOB) and Pre-certification (PA) process to ensure timely patient clearance.
• Maintain communication with referring offices and patients regarding scheduling, authorizations, and procedure expectations.
• Manage patient flow using TeleTracking, FirstNet, and related systems.
• Monitor the ER Board for key lab requirements (e.g., HCG, Creatinine) prior to imaging.

Imaging Informatics & Systems Management

• Operate and maintain multiple imaging systems, including:
  • PACS: Import/export studies, merge patient accounts, label outside exams, clear QA lists, process transcription worklists, and push/pull images via PowerShare, Nucleus, or MRI databases.
  • Volpara: Input and link prior exams, add external clinicians, resend reports to Cerner, and document communications or patient letters.
  • Cerner PowerChart: Retrieve and correct clinician orders, manage scheduling, link encounters, and maintain accurate patient data.
• Ensure timely documentation, data integrity, and system accuracy across all imaging informatics platforms.
• Collaborate with technologists, radiologists, and IT teams to troubleshoot system issues and improve workflow efficiency.

Administrative & Clerical Support

• Answer phones and direct calls or visitors professionally and courteously.
• Maintain logs, charts, and departmental records as required.
• Assist with report preparation, data collection, and minor departmental projects.
• Support orientation and training of new associates regarding departmental policies and system procedures.
• Maintain knowledge of departmental protocols, updates, and organizational changes through meetings, email, and education modules.

Emergency Readiness

• Know the location and differentiation of adult and pediatric code carts.
• Understand emergency activation numbers and protocols:
  • Code/RAT Calls – 44
  • Strokes – 914
  • Traumas – 911/912
• Support technologists and physicians during emergencies and stroke activations, facilitating rapid communication via systems with a real-time communication platform.

Professional Conduct & Development

• Provide world-class service to patients, families, and coworkers through professionalism, empathy, and clear communication.
• Uphold HIPAA and patient confidentiality standards.
• Maintain compliance with all hospital and departmental policies, including infection control and safety.
• Participate in ongoing education, certifications, and required annual competencies.
• Attend and participate in department and system-wide meetings or review materials when unable to attend.
• Support the department in achieving quality assurance and performance improvement goals.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR), and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way:

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• One to three years of related experience preferred, ideally within a healthcare or radiology setting.
• Experience with computer systems and imaging informatics platforms preferred (Cerner, PACS, Volpara, TeleTracking).
• Understanding of DICOM language and radiology terminology preferred.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient computer literacy with strong data entry accuracy.
• Customer service-oriented with sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Capable of troubleshooting basic technical or workflow issues.
• IV Skills preferred. On the job training provided with competency within 3 months and annual revalidation.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily works in an imaging department environment with moderate physical activity and mental focus.
• Potential exposure to radiologic equipment and patient contact.

Physical Demands:

• Frequent walking, standing, pushing, and lifting (up to 50 lbs.).
• Requires physical stamina and the ability to bend, twist, and assist with patient transfers safely.