Hilary Kuhlman
Helena,MT
Summary
PACS Technologist working in an administrated role providing excellent customer service to patients and patient care Provider teams. In this role I maintain a functional PACS system so Providers can review radiology studies, assure all studies have been read and make outside radiology studies available for ordering providers. I have 20+ years of healthcare experience as a CT/ X-ray Technologist providing excellent patient care, assisting Providers during medical procedure, and maintaining the utmost confidentiality. Possess a A.A.S. in Radiologic Medical Science and obtain expertise in numerous administrative tasks. Looking to leverage my knowledge and experience into a role as a Healthcare Administrator.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
PACS Technologist
Veterans Health Administration Montana
12.2022 - Current
- Responsible for managing and maintaining the Radiology PACS system. Submit IT tickets to Agfa EI when help is needed to solve a problem that arises with the PACS system.
- Conducted research to support and develop the implementation of a new process to bring in outside images that is currently in use.
- Only administrative personnel in the Montana VA system that conducts the process to bring in outside images for Fort Harrison.
- Brought to the Radiology manager and lead technologist's awareness the need to change the communication path between PACS and Orthopedics. A meeting was called with the Nurse manager and a solution was achieved that created clear communication and smooth transfer of outside images for Orthopedic Providers.
- Run daily failed verification reports from Vista, review for missing reports, images and technologist exam verification.
- Involved and helped with planning and executing the evaluating process fro Radiologist peer reviews.
- Makes corrections on imaging studies for the Technologists when corrections are needed.
- QC images, split, segment and combine imaging studies so they are in a proper files.
- Work close with the Radiologist to ensure his reading monitors are working correctly. Put in IT and Agfa tickets when further evaluation is needed.
- Follow up on Radiology requests for prior images and make those images and reports available for comparison.
- Works closely with biomed to maintain and keep imaging equipment PACS communication up to date.
- Responsible for making changes and updates for IP address in Agfa EI. Also, adding new equipment into the internal and external systems of the PACS. Maps exams to the proper IMP code.
- Utilizes Active directory to add new Techologists, Providers and RN's to the Xero Agfa EI PACs.
- Outstanding communication with Providers and care teams to achieve the goal to serve Veterans.
- Brought to Radiology the awareness and need to change the process of bring in outside images for Orthopedics. I called a meeting with the Nurse manager and implemented a plan through teams to make sure the providers receive the outside images needed brought into the PACS system.
- Set up onsite Agfa EI training for PACS admins, Biomed and Radiologists.
- Input proper IMP codes in the PACS System
- Assisted Radiology Manager in writing and submitting 2237 forms
- Involved in planning and evaluating contracts for Radiology services such as Medicom and Powerscribe.
- Utilizes Medicom to seed images from Fort Harrison to other healthcare facilities for continuance of patient care. I'm a Medicom account manager, so I can add, delete and delegate privileges used through Medicom.
- Assisted in writing AE titles that matched the National Radiology Standards and now used on equipment in Radiology.
- Organizational Awareness to implement new changes brought to Radiology PACS
- Organize meetings to problem solve connection issues with Medicom
- Push Radiology studies to outside facilities for continuance of Patient Care
- Excellent teamwork skills with all the Radiology Technologsist
- Obtain Organizational Awareness through my teams connections to help providers bring in Imaging studies for upcoming appointments
- Trouble shoot PACS related problems
- Trouble shoot Powerscribe issues
- Inserted changes, in writing to Powerscribe for LDCT template changes
- Through my administration and management skills, changed the process of how Images come into our PACS system
- Through teamwork, full fill requests to push imaging studies and reports to outside Providers
- Through organizational awareness, follows all Patient Privacy acts
- With planning and evaluation, inputs new Providers into AGFA EI PACS
- Assists in training new providers with AGFA
CT/X-Ray Technologist
Veterans Health Administration Montana
01.2020 - 12.2022
- Accomplishes quality CT and X-ray exams
- Excellent teamwork to coordinate patient schedules
- Maintains high image quality work while working independently and as a team
- Currently use and successfully performs tasks utilizing the functions on the PACS EI system
- Communicates clearly to the patient to warrant a quality study and maintain patient satisfaction
- Successfully reviews patient's medical records to triage CT and X-ray exams
- Works diligently with CT team to make sure quality is maintained and compliant with JCACHO requirements
- Successfully starts IVs for contrast administration
- Follows all protocols set by facility and Radiologist
- Utilized Administration and management skills to triage patient orders for patients being transferred to CITC so the correct order is submitted the first time
- Diligently reviews patient lab values to ensure it is safe to administer contrast medium
- Fills out contrast administration forms with the patient in writing, answers any concerns and properly documents the form
- Knowledge of positioning, technique, and imaging procedures so I can perform and determine image information correctly and efficiently during technical post processing and assessment
- Communicates with ordering providers through teamwork to ensure the correct imaging study is ordered and completed
- Ability to initiate repair requests with work orders for appropriate services
- Trouble shoot problems with devices and equipment when image quality and transfer problems arise
- Monitor EI and follow up on any unread studies to ensure an exam read is completed in a timely manner
- Check monthly outdates and restock and supplies that are low or outdated
- Collaborates with the schedulers to ensure correct patient exam and time is scheduled
- Advanced EI training to help the Providers navigate the system and efficiently use the imaging hardware and software of the integrated PACS system
- Administrator training on the new EI system
- Sends CT and X-ray images to EI and successfully fixes them if needed
- Performs detector calibrations to maintain consistent image quality per the guidelines and verifies monitor calibrations compliance
- Push images to NTP for interpretation
- Ability to perform Vista radiology, Vista imaging, and PACS support activities
- Ability to obtain QA of the CT scanner and appropriately document
- Follows all current cleaning procedures and PPE processes
- Involved with the CTT committee project to help successfully improve communication within the Radiology department
- Push imaging studies through Medicom to outside facilities and burn CDs
- Checks MRI orders, labs work for upcoming MRI and calls patients
- Check outpatient reminder letters for upcoming CT and MRI appointments, fold, seal and mail them out
- Helps in the office as needs arise
CT/X-ray Technologist
Madison Valley Medical Center
02.2013 - 01.2020
- Complete quality imaging exams with proper positioning per the facility protocols
- Operate Siemens 40 slice scanner and Siemens X-ray and mobile X-ray equipment
- Preformed quality X-ray and CT in ED, trauma, inpatient, and outpatient settings
- Self-management skills while working independently 60% of the time
- Exercise professional judgement and maintain a high demeanor of medical ethics and compliance with HIPPA
- Through teamwork, collaborated with X-ray, CT, MRI and Ultrasound Technologists to make sure quality was maintained and with compliant with JCAHO requirements
- Collaborate and clearly communicate with providers to ensure correct exam was facilitated for the patient
- Provide patient instruction, answered any concerns, and achieved appropriate imaging study
- Started IVs for contrast administration in CT
- Screened CT patients needing IV contrast for allergies and properly prepped the patient for the exam
- Reviewed patient lab results to verify kidney function is adequate before administering contrast medium
- Coordinated care with trained nursing staff for CT patients needing IV contrast that had Ports and Power PICCS
- Respectfully coordinated work with onsite Biomed, Information Technology, and off-site Informatics to ensure proper function and security of PACS
- Effectively assisted providers in navigating the EMR and PACS systems
- Worked with providers and assisted in training of new PACS systems, traveled offsite as needed to fulfill training needs
- Ability to provide support and troubleshoot system application with IT on the PACS system
- Called other facilities and faxed properly filed release forms to obtain outside images for comparison reads
- Loaded outside images and mammography images onto PACS for comparison reads requested by the Radiologists
- Trouble shoot and remote in with the IT personal when PACS was not functioning at full capacity or errors occurred
- Monitored patient exams on PACS, made sure readings were done in a timely manner and followed up if they were not read
- Made sure outside reports matched up to the patient and images in PACS
- Executed daily quality assurance of every imaging report to confirm the correct report was in the correct patient chart
- Demonstrated excellent phone skills to schedule patients in writing and answer questions and concerns
- Restock supplies daily in CT, X-ray, and the supply storage rooms
- Properly clean and sanitize the CT and X-ray room following each exam
- Execute daily quality Control on CT scanner and contrast warmer
- Maintained excellent logs in writing for all daily and monthly quality controls
- Complete monthly Quality Control of the medicine box located in CT
- Accomplish monthly Quality Control rates in writing for X-ray repeat rate
- Weekly maintenance of the CT, CR/DR equipment as well as other Imaging Informatics Systems in Imaging Department
- Assisted in transporting patients to the clinic and nursing home
- Utilized administration and management skills to update protocol manuals with the guidelines set by the Radiologist
- Executed cost-benefit studies in writing, and made recommendations for modifications, replacement, or new purchases within the radiology department
- Assist Mammogram Technologist in obtaining outside imaging studies and schedule Mammography exams and follow ups
- Coordinated Mammography appointments when further treatments and exams off-site were warranted by the Radiologist
- Assisted the Ultrasound Technologist in performing ABI studies
- Contributed with the organizational awareness by partaking in the survey process and follow up actions to improve patient satisfaction in CT and MRI
- Partook in the process to successfully reduce outpatient wait times and streamline the check in process for all outpatients
- Reviewed, evaluated and recommended in writing replacement or new equipment for purchase with in the Imaging Department
- Assisted in the pre-authorization process for CT and MRI exams ordered
- Collaborated with medical records and was efficient at burning patient images on a disc and USBs
- Sent electronic imaging studies to outside facilities upon request or when the patient was transferred for continuance of care
- Knowledge of specific positioning, technique, and imaging procedures so I can achieve and complete image information correctly and proficiently during technical post processing and evaluation
- Support nursing staff in the ED with tasks when the hospital was busy
- FEMA Emergency Preparedness and ICS training
- Involved in credentialing process of the Providers and Radiologists
- Adapted easily to changing situations and handled stressful situations well
CT Technologist
Kootenai Health
10.2006 - 03.2013
- Operated multiple Siemens CT scanners and maintained ALARA standards
- Completed high quality CT and X-ray exams
- Performed under pressure and independently in high volume trauma II center
- Collaborated with ED physicians to assure the correct exam was ordered and completed
- Communicated clearly with staff to make sure the patient was properly prepped and scanned in a timely manner
- Provided instructions and answered questions to minimize patient anxiety and improve cooperation
- Utilized the Meditech EMR to review patient lab results and other information pertaining to patient exam
- Exercise knowledge of the PACS system and assisted physicians in finding imaging studies
- Ability to provide support and troubleshoot system application and hardware issues with PACS system on off hours
- Utilized teamwork amongst the ER to and pull outside images to our PACS so patient care wasn't interrupted
- Pushed imaging studies to outside facilities through PACS for continued patient care
- Utilized the Pyxis system for contrast medium and medication storage
- Sent CT studies to off- site Radiologist for interpretation and monitored report times
- Utilized TeraRecon system to create 3D imaging
- Assisted Radiologist with CT guided drains, biopsies, and procedures
- Participated in daily quality assurance activities to ensure compliance with JCAHO requirements
- Performed daily quality control on both CT scanners
- Coordinated restocking of supplies and outdate checks
- Scheduled and scanned all ICU head trauma and stroke patients
- Assisted with daily morning Portable X-rays
- Prepped all hospital patients needing morning CT scans with oral contrast and reviewed labs
- Operated C-arm in OR and Emergency Room settings
- Assisted in training students into the Diagnostic Imaging Field
X-ray/CT Technologist
Bozeman Deaconess Medical Center
10.2005 - 09.2006
- Operated GE and Philips X-ray and CT equipment
- Obtained morning chest X-rays and processed on the CR processor
- Competed morning ICU head CTs and portable X-rays
- Set up and assisted Radiologist in fluoroscopy procedures while maintaining sterile field
- Provided C-arm and mini-C arm in OR and ED settings
- Teamwork used in trauma situations
- Assisted set up and assisted the Radiologist in CT drains and biopsies
- Involved with training students in Radiology Programs and aided with schedules
- Helped providers with the PACS system and technical related issues
- Pushed images to outside facilities when PACS administrators were not available
- Accessed and documented in the Meditech system
- Burned disc and helped with Radiology Medical Records outside of business hours
- Aided providers in accessing radiology films
- Loaded outside images onto PACS from outside facilities
- Maintained cleanliness and stocked radiology procedure rooms
- Aided in moving the film library to new storage location
X-Ray Technologist
Scottsdale Medical Imaging Ltd
02.2005 - 10.2005
- Provided quality x-ray exams in a fast-paced outpatient clinic
- Demonstrated flexibility, independent work habits, and confidence to rotate to several different imaging clinics to meet staffing needs
- Worked with film and digital X-ray
- Utilized GE, Siemens and Phillips X-ray and fluoroscopy equipment
- Efficient in Upper GI, BE, Tomography, HSG and barium swallow exams
- Communicated the procedure to the patient and answered any concerns before starting the exam
- Followed strict orthopedic protocols for orthopedic surgeons
X-ray Technologist
St. Peters Hospital
06.2003 - 02.2005
- Performed quality X-ray exams and knowledge of proper techniques
- Assisted Radiologist in fluoroscopy procedures
- Handled stress well in fast paced trauma situations
- Flexible with my hours to ensure coverage
- Operated Phillips C-arm in OR and ED settings with confidence
- Successfully ran films in the film processor
- Properly hung films for the Radiologist to interpret and pulled all prior imaging from the patient's chart for comparison
- Successfully hung X-ray films in the Emergency Room for the Providers to look at before the Radiologist read was done
- Collaborated with the Radiologist to ensure the correct exam was ordered
- Pulled and filed patient film jackets
- Helped move the film library to new location
- Supported in the training of X-ray students
Education
Associate of Science - Medical Radiologic Technology
Carrington College (Apollo College)
Spokane, WAHigh School Diploma -
Jenkins High School
Chewelah, WASkills
- Excellent teamwork player with tremendous communication skills
- Organizational awareness to maintain heavy workflow with consistency and accuracy
- Planning and evaluation in Radiology to bring in outside images
- Management of the Image storage and retrieval process
- Training new providers with AGFA
Certification
- R.T (R) (CT) (AART), #369866
- MT State License, RTS-RT-LIC-6155
- BLS
- FEMA ICS-100 certificate
- HIV Prevention Education for the Health Care Professional
Credentials
- RT(R)
- CT
Timeline
PACS Technologist
Veterans Health Administration Montana
12.2022 - Current
CT/X-Ray Technologist
Veterans Health Administration Montana
01.2020 - 12.2022
CT/X-ray Technologist
Madison Valley Medical Center
02.2013 - 01.2020
CT Technologist
Kootenai Health
10.2006 - 03.2013
X-ray/CT Technologist
Bozeman Deaconess Medical Center
10.2005 - 09.2006
X-Ray Technologist
Scottsdale Medical Imaging Ltd
02.2005 - 10.2005
X-ray Technologist
St. Peters Hospital
06.2003 - 02.2005
High School Diploma -
Jenkins High School
Associate of Science - Medical Radiologic Technology
Carrington College (Apollo College)
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