WINNEMUCCA - Two members of Humboldt General Hospital's radiology team have achieved the nation's highest certification in their respective modalities.
Radiologic technologist Reme Huttman has achieved advanced registry in Vascular Ultrasound Technology (RVT) while Heather Shearer has achieved advanced registry in Mammography.
The advanced registries are issued through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). A person is certified by the ARRT after meeting educational preparation standards, complying with ethics standards and passing a comprehensive exam.
"We are striving for clinical excellence," said HGH Radiology Manager Pam Wickkiser, "and in order to demonstrate our commitment to the highest educational and ethical standards within our profession, this registry process is absolutely critical."
Wickkiser said she is extremely proud of the two women for placing such a high priority on clinical excellence.
"Becoming registered in a modality is an incredibly rigorous, time-consuming process," she said. "Reme and Heather have worked hard to pass these exams and I applaud them for their desire to provide the best possible care to the residents of this community."
Wickkiser said all of her technologists are now registered in their respective modalities - an important component of her department's three-pronged "promise to the community."
The radiology manager said in addition to ensuring clinical excellence at every level of the imaging continuum, her department also is committed to premium customer service.
The department has extended its hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. A technologist also is on staff until 11 p.m. each night to answer calls to the Emergency Department; additionally, staff members remain on call throughout the night.
Wickkiser said the department's premium customer service also includes appointment reminders, regular distribution of customer service surveys and attempts to streamline access to the department's modalities including MRI, CT Scan, X-Ray, Vascular Ultrasound, Obstetrical Ultrasound, Cardiac Ultrasound, Mammography, Bone Densitometry, Fluoroscopy, Nuclear Medicine and Portable C-Arm.
The third prong of the department's "promise to the community" is advanced technology. Over the past decade, Humboldt General Hospital has added or replaced nearly all of its modalities, bringing the latest technology and diagnostic capabilities to Humboldt County.
The Radiology Department installed a web-based Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) over the summer - all digital technology which eliminates the need for traditional X-ray film.
Wickkiser is now busy working on details to introduce digital mammography to the community. She expects to debut that service by February 2012. The department also will upgrade its Ultrasound, Bone Density and CT Scan equipment before the end of the fiscal year in June.
Wickkiser said, "Our goal is to have the latest technology for our patients, and that has resulted from a combined commitment from our department, the hospital's administration and its board of directors."
For more information on Humboldt General Hospital's Radiology Department or to make an appointment, please call (775) 623-5222, ext. 133.
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