Radiology clerks help schedule appointments.
Radiology clerks handle filing and other office-related duties for a healthcare facility's radiology department. Radiology clerks work under the supervision of x-ray technicians, doctors and nurses, performing important functions related to patient care. They answer phones, greet patients, help schedule appointments, fax and make copies of documents, and file imaging exams and films.
Basics
Radiology clerks often provide important links between patients and x-ray technicians. They call patients to remind them of upcoming appointments or perhaps pass along results of an examination. They often record patient information, such as name, address and medical history, and enter it into a computer database. Some might even keep track of billing. On top of those things, radiology clerks must organize results of various x-ray exams, quickly locating them and passing them on at the request of a physician or technician.
Skills
Radiology clerks must be accomplished typists and possess strong organizational skills. They need to be strong communicators, relaying pertinent medical information to doctors, patients and co-workers. Most also need basic computer skills, along with a strong work ethic and positive attitude. Radiology clerks should value customer service, conducting themselves in a professional and friendly manner. In most instances, they also need decent math and grammar skills, and an understanding of basic filing procedures.
Background
Most radiology clerks are entry-level employees who can learn on the job. Usually, no more than a high school diploma (or the equivalent) is required. That said, many healthcare facilities favor candidates who have worked in a similar position, such as a receptionist for a family doctor or dentist. Some radiology clerks may have worked previously as general office secretaries or administrative assistants, and some might have obtained an associate degree or certificate in clerical-related studies from a community college or vocational school.
Prospects
Opportunities for radiology clerks are likely to fluctuate with the rest of the industry, which is expected to flourish for at least the next decade. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of radiologists is expected to grow by 17 percent through 2018. Also, jobs for general office clerks are projected to increase by 12 percent during the same span.
Earnings
Most radiology clerks earn wages in line with other types of office workers. Much of it depends on the healthcare facility and the clerk's experience. According to PayScale.com, clerks in the healthcare industry made anywhere from $9 to just more than $12 per hour in May 2010.
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