Radiologist Assistant Curriculum - American Society of Radiologic ...

Clinical Knowledge and Activities Associated with Patient
Assessment, Management and Education
The radiologist assistant, with the supervision of a radiologist mentor, participates in and
coordinates patient assessment, management and education functions in the radiology setting.
Patient Assessment
The radiologist assistant collects pertinent data about the patient and the procedure.
The radiologist assistant:
1. Uses consistent and appropriate techniques to gather relevant information from the medical
record, significant others and health care providers (the collection of information is
determined by the patient’s needs or condition).
2. Reconfirms patient identification and verifies the procedure requested or prescribed.
3. Verifies the patient’s pregnancy status when appropriate.
4. Determines whether the patient has been appropriately prepared for the procedure.
5. Assesses factors that may contraindicate the procedure, such as medications, medical or
psychological indicators, insufficient patient preparation or artifacts.
6. Performs history and physical examination with radiologic procedure focus.
Patient Management
The radiologist assistant analyzes the information obtained during the assessment phase and
develops an action plan for completing the procedure.
The radiologist assistant:
1. Selects the most appropriate action plan after reviewing all pertinent data and assessing the
patient’s abilities and condition.
2. Uses his or her professional judgment to recommend or adapt protocols for radiologic
procedures to improve diagnostic quality and outcome.
3. Consults with the radiologist mentor to determine a modified action plan when necessary.
4. Determines the need for accessory equipment.
5. Modifies protocol to reduce patient exposure dose.
6. Monitors and documents the total fluoroscopy time for medical records.
7. Verifies QA/QC to ensure safely operating equipment before patient exposure.
Patient Education
The radiologist assistant provides information about the procedure to the patient, significant
others and health care providers.
The radiologist assistant:
1. Verifies/obtains patient consent prior to initiating a procedure and verifies that the patient
fully understands its risks, benefits, alternatives and follow-up.
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