Download GUIDELINES FOR ULTRASOUND EXAMINATION SCHEDULING

GUIDELINES FOR ULTRASOUND EXAMINATION SCHEDULING
AND TIME ALLOTMENTS
Medical Imaging Workload Measurement Systems (PDF)
Medical Imaging Schedule of Unit Values (PDF)
The above documents have been provided to Sonography Canada, from the Canadian
Institute for Health Information (CIHI) regarding the Management Information Systems
(MIS) Standards for 2016.
The Medical Imaging Schedule of Unit Values represent the average number of minutes
required of the unit-producing service provider (e.g diagnostic medical sonographer) to
perform all the steps needed to complete a defined exam once for the average service
recipient (patient/client) under average circumstances.
The workload measurement system used to determine the unit values, assesses the
average output per exam for similar functions and work performed in various facilities
across Canada and takes into consideration workflow, technical protocols and resource
utilization.
These average time values / workload units, should be considered as "points of
reference" rather than absolute measures of the time required to perform an activity.
The unit values listed for the exams/activities include the following aspects:
Initial Handling/Setup
• Review of requisition
• Enter information/demographic data into a computer system
interfaced/integrated with imaging equipment
• Add service recipient identification to images
• Set-up equipment prior to exam
• Prepare examining room
• Prepare equipment and materials for the service recipient
• Prepare room for aseptic techniques
Service Recipient Preparation / Instructions
• Assess the service recipient’s status
• Educate service recipient
• Consult and review the chart
• Explain exam
• Ensure the consent for treatment is complete
• Prepare and position the service recipient
Diagnostic/Therapeutic Activities
• Perform assessment (pre and post exam monitoring)
• Administer radiopharmaceuticals, contrast media and medications
• Perform service recipient care activities
• Perform MRSA/VRE/Latex activities
• Participate in catheterization activities
• Acquire image
• Process image/post processing
• Perform image quality assessment
Service Recipient Assistance
• Assist service recipient to and from waiting area to bed/ stretcher/wheelchair
• Assist other health care providers in preparing the service recipient for
transport
Cleanup
• Clean up work area
• Perform decontamination procedures
• Disassemble equipment
Clinical Documentation
• Chart service recipient and exam-related information
• Process images and/or data post exam
• Insert tracings or other documentation into the service recipient’s file
• Perform calculations or interpretation of data
• Perform picture archiving activities
 See page 10 of the Medical Imaging Schedule of Unit Values document for the
unit values and relevant information for ultrasound examinations.
 See page 20 of the Medical Imaging Schedule of Unit Values document under
“Miscellaneous” for the additional unit values for exams performed outside the
department (portables, operating room, and isolation)
To properly understand and correctly implement the schedule and for additional
information on the MIS Standards, please refer to the Medical Imaging Workload
Measurement Systems document.
Any questions or concerns regarding these documents can be send to [email protected]