ECG Technician

SCOPE OF POSITION

Performs electrocardiograms on patients of all age groups to record variations in heart muscle electrical activity. Transmit electrocardiograms to ECG lab for interpretation, processing, and storage. Maintains patient log and record of procedures for diagnostic and statistical purposes. Responsible for the oversight and management of pediatric ECGs and cardiac monitors. The ECG technician will ensure accurate and timely interpretation of EKGs, oversee cardiac rhythm monitoring devices, and coordinate care with clinical teams to support patient care.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Proficient in the performance of ECGs

B. Maintain a record of ECGs faxed from OSH, including referral source

C. Enter all demographic data into ECG machine prior to performing ECG

D. Transmit completed ECGs to the laboratory on a regular basis

E. Confirm all ECG orders are complete and attached to the ECG for billing purposes

F. Edit ECGs in MUSE for all Pediatric Cardiology locations so they are available for interpretation by the cardiologist

G. Answer phone as necessary

H. Prepare completed ECGs for distribution

I. Retrieve previous ECGs as requested

J. Fax ECGs and/or reports to patient units or MD office as requested

K. Oversee cardiac rhythm monitor ordering, processing, and timing of interpretation

L. Coordinate appointments for patients who complete cardiac rhythm monitoring

M. Work closely with cardiac monitor vendors and patients to troubleshoot devices and provide support

Description of Operation

ECG CLINIC

The Clinic Lab is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Patients start arriving at 8:00 a.m. The patients are expected to have an order requesting the test. Once the patient is checked-in, the patient's name, age/date of birth, medical record number, and name of ordering provider are verified. This information is entered into the ECG cart and the technician explains the ECG to the patient. When the patient is properly connected to the electrodes, the ECG is obtained and transmitted to the MGH MUSE system. Pediatric ECGs may also be done outside the cardiology department for interpretation by the Pediatric Cardiologist. Patients may have a walk-in ECG performed by an MGB ambulatory laboratory or other lab outside the hospital. ECGs done at outside offices are faxed to the Pediatric Cardiology office for interpretation.

PROCESSING LAB

ECGs are transmitted electronically from the ECG cart to the MUSE system. There are times when ECGs have missing or incorrect information and the technician is responsible for identifying and correcting these errors. Once the ECG's are matched appropriately they are available for interpretation by the pediatric cardiologist.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. High School graduate plus additional specialized ECG training. Specialized Computer and/or word processor training.

2. A minimum of one year experience as an ECG technician. Knowledge in use of standard electrocardiography equipment.

3. A minimum of one year experience with computer/word processor.

4. Will need additional ECG training and 3 to 6 months orientation on the job

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

1. Attention to detail is extremely important. It is essential patient records are accurate, i.e., correct MGH unit #, DOB, hospital location, correct physician ID number, pertinent diagnostic information, and accuracy of transcription.

2. Mental alertness is equally important. Much of the patient and/or physician information is a sequence of numbers. Interpretation of the ECGs is done by the use of standard medical abbreviations. Needless to say one has to pay careful attention that patient demographics are entered correctly and there are orders for every ECG obtained.

3. Age specific skills. The ECG laboratories see patients of all ages and consequently the main lab processes tests on all age groups. There are variability's in ECG criteria between pediatric ECGs and adult ECGs. When performing ECGs on a child one must take time and patience with the child, explain the procedure in a way to prevent the child from becoming anxious and reassure the child of the fact the test is painless. Otherwise, it may be impossible to obtain a technically adequate test. Pediatric ECGs are far more time consuming than Adult ECGs. They may take as long as 30 minutes to obtain a technically adequate record.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The Clinic ECG laboratory provides adequate working conditions. There are shared offices with a desk and computer work station. Some travel between sites may be required including Boston and Worcester

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.