Description
Diagnose and manage breast disease using screening and diagnostic mammography (including tomosynthesis), breast ultrasound, contrast-enhanced studies, and breast MRI; perform image-guided biopsies and localizations; communicate results; and ensure safety, quality, and compliance.
- • Participate in quality improvement activities using ACR/MQSA benchmarks for recall, cancer detection, and PPV.
- • Participate in continuing education to maintain MQSA and ACR accreditation and breast imaging expertise.
- • Develop diagnostic and follow-up plans for patients with breast symptoms or imaging findings.
- • Establish and enforce radiation dose, compression, and safety standards for mammography and contrast use.
- • Review and transmit images and information using PACS and reporting systems.
- • Recognize and manage complications including vasovagal reactions, bleeding, pain, infection, or contrast reactions.
- • Prepare clear, BI-RADS–compliant interpretive reports with management recommendations.
- • Obtain focused breast histories, including symptoms, prior imaging, procedures, family history, and risk factors.
- • Consult with surgeons, oncologists, primary care, and gynecologists regarding imaging-based diagnoses and care pathways.
- • Instruct technologists and trainees in positioning, tomosynthesis technique, ultrasound scanning, and MRI protocols.
- • Document the performance, interpretation, and outcomes of all imaging and interventional procedures.
- • Develop and monitor quality control for mammography equipment, ultrasound, MRI coils, and image quality, including phantom testing.
- • Coordinate breast imaging services with clinics, surgery, pathology, genetics, and oncology.
- • Counsel patients about screening, diagnostic evaluations, biopsy procedures, localization options, risks, benefits, and alternatives.
- • Communicate results directly to patients and referring clinicians, including same-day diagnostic findings and critical results.
- • Perform stereotactic, ultrasound-guided, and MRI-guided core and vacuum-assisted biopsies.
- • Perform cyst aspiration, abscess drainage, clip placement, and preoperative wire or seed localization.
- • Perform and interpret screening and diagnostic mammography, digital breast tomosynthesis, breast and axillary ultrasound, contrast-enhanced mammography, and breast MRI.
- • Assess and recommend appropriate follow-up intervals and additional views or modalities.
- • Verify image quality and adequacy before patient discharge, including positioning, compression, and artifact assessment.
- • Compare current and prior studies to evaluate interval changes.
- • Direct technologists regarding positioning, compression, exposure, and ultrasound scan planes to optimize exams.
- • Ensure compliance with MQSA, ACR accreditation standards, and radiation protection for patients and staff.
- • Participate in multidisciplinary breast conferences and tumor boards.
- • Review orders and histories to determine appropriate exam type, contrast use, and need for same-day biopsy.
- • Manage tracking and follow-up of BI-RADS 0, 3, 4, and 5 assessments to ensure timely care.
- • Teach breast imaging and interventional techniques to residents, fellows, or technologists.
- • Implement and evaluate new breast imaging protocols and technologies.
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
