Will AI Replace Radiologic Technologists and Technicians?

Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.

interpersonal — Results delivery needs empathy and clinical judgment

Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods.

physical manipulation — Processing requires physical handling of imaging media

Perform procedures, such as linear tomography, mammography, sonograms, joint and cyst aspirations, routine contrast studies, routine fluoroscopy, or examinations of the head, trunk, or extremities under supervision of physician.

physical manipulation — Imaging equipment operated with patient positioning

Record, process, and maintain patient data or treatment records and prepare reports.

text generation — Summarize diagnostic and care activities into reports

Prepare contrast material, radiopharmaceuticals, or anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs under the direction of a radiologist.

physical manipulation — Medication preparation needs precise hands-on work

Complete quality control activities, monitor equipment operation, and report malfunctioning equipment to supervisor.

visual inspection — Hands-on examination of medical instruments

Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.

physical manipulation — Hands-on medical equipment adjustment

Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.

visual inspection — Image quality check aided, radiologist verifies findings

Determine patients' x-ray needs by reading requests or instructions from physicians.

decision support — Treatment goals need clinical accountability and context

Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.

decision support — AI reviews records but physical verification and accountability human

Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.

physical manipulation — Imaging equipment operated with patient positioning

Operate digital picture archiving communications systems.

data analysis — Facility records need human verification and compliance

Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.

physical manipulation — Imaging equipment operated with patient positioning

Operate fluoroscope to aid physician to view and guide wire or catheter through blood vessels to area of interest.

physical manipulation — Imaging equipment operated with patient positioning

Take thorough and accurate patient medical histories.

interpersonal — Collecting from patients requires live clinical interaction

Make exposures necessary for the requested procedures, rejecting and repeating work that does not meet established standards.

visual inspection — Image quality check aided, radiologist verifies findings

Set up examination rooms, ensuring that all necessary equipment is ready.

physical manipulation — Physical assembly of medical supplies

Monitor patients' conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician.

interpersonal — Clinical handoff carries accountability and nuance

Provide assistance to physicians or other technologists in the performance of more complex procedures.

physical manipulation — Hands-on assistance during examinations

Key commands and data into computer to document and specify scan sequences, adjust transmitters and receivers, or photograph certain images.

data analysis — Patient data entry largely automatable with review

Coordinate work with clerical personnel or other technologists and technicians.

interpersonal — Treatment planning collaboration is accountable clinical work

Assign duties to radiologic staff to maintain patient flows and achieve production goals.

interpersonal — Patient care supervision is live clinical leadership

Provide students or other technicians and technologists with suggestions of additional views, alternate positioning, or improved techniques to ensure the images produced are of the highest quality.

interpersonal — Provider training is clinical, hands-on, accountable

Assist with on-the-job training of new employees or students or provide input to supervisors regarding training performance.

interpersonal — Provider training is clinical, hands-on, accountable

Transport patients to or from exam rooms.

physical manipulation — Moving patients requires hands-on body handling

Maintain a current file of examination protocols.

data analysis — Facility records need human verification and compliance

Provide assistance in dressing or changing seriously ill or injured patients or patients with disabilities.

physical manipulation — Hands-on hygiene and daily living care

Perform general administrative tasks, such as answering phones, scheduling patient appointments, or pulling and filing films.

decision support — Clinical scheduling needs human verification of constraints

Operate mobile x-ray equipment in operating room, emergency room, or at patient's bedside.

physical manipulation — Imaging equipment operated with patient positioning

Perform supervisory duties, such as developing departmental operating budget, coordinating purchases of supplies or equipment, or preparing work schedules.

interpersonal — Healthcare operations accountability and staffing are human