Diagnostic Sonography Profession
The field of diagnostic medical sonography includes general sonography, cardiac sonography, vascular technology, and various sub-specialties involving ultrasound. The profession requires use of judgment in order to provide patients with appropriate healthcare services.
Sonographers and vascular technologists are highly educated, skilled professionals who work in a variety of medical settings in which a physician is responsible for using and interpreting appropriate ultrasound procedures. Sonographers and vascular technologists perform various duties to help the physician gather necessary data for diagnostic decision. Some of these include:
- Obtaining, reviewing, and integrating pertinent patient history and the supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results.
- Performing appropriate procedures and recording anatomic, pathologic, and/or physiologic data for the physician to interpret.
- Recording, analyzing, and processing diagnostic data and other observations made during the procedure for permission to the interpreting physician.
- Exercising discretion and judgment in the performance of sonographic and/or other non-invasive diagnostic services.
- Demonstrating appropriate communication skills with patients and colleagues.
- Acting in a professional and ethical manner.
- Providing patient education related to medical ultrasound and/or other non-invasive diagnostic vascular techniques and promoting principals of good health.
