The Health Science Professions & The Health Care Environment

What is radiography?

Production of images using ionizing radiation

What is radiology?

Images of internal body parts using x-rays

What is a Radiologic Technologist?

A professional qualified to use x-rays to produce images of internal body parts

What exams does a Radiologic Technologist perform?

Skeletal system, chest, abdomen, and contrast studies (GI, GU, myelograms, arthrograms)

What is a Radiologist?

A physician qualified to interpret x-rays

What is Vascular-Interventional Radiography?

Minimally invasive procedures performed using image guidance (CT, fluoro, ultrasound)

What imaging methods are used in Vascular-Interventional Radiography?

CT, fluoroscopy, and ultrasound

Vascular-Interventional Radiography is no longer has an exam for the ARRT. T/F

True

What is Computed Tomography (CT)?

Uses x-ray equipment and computer processing to produce cross-sectional and 3D images

What type of images does CT produce?

Cross-sections and 3D images of tissues, organs, and bones

What is nuclear medicine?

Use of radioactive materials for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes

How are nuclear medicine images developed?

Detection of energy emitted from a radioactive substance given to a patient either intravenously or by mouth

What organs are commonly imaged in nuclear medicine?

Liver, heart, or brain

What is a Nuclear Medicine Advanced Associate (NMAA)?

An advance-level technologist assisting with patient care and imaging processes

What does a NMAA help with?

Pre-testing assessment through pre-diction assessment

What is Cardiovascular Interventional Technology?

Specializes in exams of the cardiovascular system using contrast media

What do cardiovascular procedures involve?

Injection of contrast media into arteries or blood vessels

What is Mammography?

low-dose x-ray system used to examine breast tissue

What is a mammogram?

a test used to diagnose breast diseases in men and women

What is Radiation Therapy?

Use of controlled high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells (internal or external)

Who administers radiation treatments?

A radiation therapist under a Radiation Oncologist’s direction

What is a Medical Dosimetrist?

Memeber of the oncology team who designs treatment plans under a qualified physician

What is Sonography?

A diagnostic procedure using high-frequency sound waves to create images

What is another name for Sonography?

Ultrasound or sonogram

What does Breast Sonography help diagnose?

Breast lumps or other abnormalities

What is Vascular Sonography used for?

Monitoring and examining blood flow in body

What is an example of a vascular sonography study?

Doppler study

What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging?

Images using radiofrequency waves and a strong magnetic field

What does MRI provide?

Clear and detailed images of internal organs and tissues

What is Bone Density used for?

To diagnose osteoporosis

What is Osteoporosis?

Disease where bones become porous, fracture easily, and heat slowly

What body parts are commonly measured in bone density tests?

Lower spine and hips

What is a Radiologist Assistant (RA)?

Performs patient assessments and procedures under radiologist supervision but does not interpret images

What is Fusion Technology?

Combines organ function with organ anatomy

What imaging shows organ function?

PET and SPECT

What imaging shows organ anatomy?

CT and MRI

What is PACS?

A system for storing and managing digital medical images

What does a PACS administrator do?

Maintains, manages, and troubleshoots imaging systems

What are key duties of a PACS Administrator?

Software upgrades, training staff, managing budgets, and system implentation

What are other additional career opportunities?

Clinical instructor, faculty member, coordinator, program director, director/supervisor of imaging department, commerical films, sales rep, applications specialist

What does a Radiation Safety Officer do?

Oversees safe use of radiation and monitors exposure

What does a Health Physicist do?

ensures radiation protection and monitors exposure limits

What services are typically offered in hospitals?

Radiography, fluro, CT, MRI, ultrasound, mammo, nuclear medicine, interventional, and cardiac studies

What are hospital hours of opertation?

24/7

What is a clinic in healthcare?

Provides x-rays and various other modalities in an outpatient setting

What is the primary function of an imaging center?

Diagnostic imaging

What is an outpatient surgical center?

A facility where surgeries are performed outside of a traditional hospital

Are radiologic technologists needed in outpatient surgical centers?

Yes

What is mobile imaging?

Imaging services brought to patients, increasing access in remote areas

What is hospice care?

Care for patients with a life expectancy of 6 months or less

What are mental health facilities?

Facilites that treat psychiatric disorders and may include radiology departments

What are long-term or residential facilities?

Facilities for patients needing extended care due to illness, disability, or age

What is home health care?

Medical care provided to patients in their homes after hospital discharge

Why has home health care increased?

Due to rising hospital costs and earlier patient discharge

What is preventive care?

Programs promoting healthy lifestyles to prevent illness

What is the goal of preventative care?

Prevention rather than medical intervention

What is telemedicine?

The use of phone or internet to provide medical consultation or procedures remotely.

Where can technologists find other job opportunities?

Jails/prisons and assisting medical examiners to determine cause of death

What is ICD-9 used for?

Coding and reporting diagnoses and procedures

What does HMO stand for?

Health Maintenance Organizations

How do HMO’s work?

Provide comprehensive care for a monthly premium and copay per visit

What is a good and bad thing about HMO’s?

Good= cheaper, bad= have to wait longer for referral

What does PPO stand for?

Preferred Provider Organization

How does a PPO differ in-network vs out-of-network?

in-network= patient responsible for annual deductible and a co-pay

out-of-network= patient pays higher amount, needs to pay dr directly and file a claim, PPO will reimburse later on

What does it mean for a patient to have no insurance?

No coverage for medical, dental, or vision care

What does COBRA stand for?

Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act

What is COBRA?

Temporary insurance coverage after leaving a job or losing insurance

How long can COBRA coverage last?

Up to 36 months (most commonly 18 months)

COBRA costs much more with same insurance plan. T/F

False

Who qualifies for Medicare?

People 65+, disabled individuals, and those with end-stage renal disease

What does Medicare Part A cover?

Covers acute hospital care with home health services and requires personas to pay a deductible for each benefit period for hospital

What does Medicare Part B cover?

Covers outpatient care, dr. services, test, and preventative treatment. Home health services include limited and only medically necessary part-time care

What is Medicaid?

Federally funded and state administerd program that provides medical care for families and dependent older adults, children, or disabled persons who qualify

What does CHIP stand for?

Children’s Health Insurance Program

What is CHIP?

A low-cost insurance for children in families who earn too much income to qualify for medicaid but can’t afford private insurance

What are community health centers?

No cost or sliding scaled based on a person’s income

What is self-ray?

Payment must be paid on full at time of services. Typically a discount will be given for “cash patients” (20%)

What are Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits?

Benefits given if a person served at least 24 months in the military

What are the payment systems?

1st party - patient

2nd party - hospital, DR, clinic, etc

3rd party - insurance company

What are the reimbursement systems?

1) Fee-for-service

2) Episode-of-care

3) Global payment

What is fee-for-service reimbursement?

AKA traditional retrospective payment, a specific payment is made for each specific service provided

What is episode-of-care reimbursement?

One lump sum for all services related to a condition or disease

What is global payment method?

3rd party makes one combined payment to cover services of multiple providers who are treating a single episode of care (over the course of a year)