Probably the single most asked question in our PACS consulting services from clients is, “What are the requirements of a PACS administrator?” The next most frequently asked is, “Where can we find one?” These questions are then usually followed by, “What is the job description?” Having been involved in the deployment of PACS and various forms of diagnostic imaging networks since we started Merge Technologies, we have heard most of these concerns and worked to address and eliminate them.
A PACS administrator must be a jack-of-many-trades, perhaps a master of one or two, with a personality that can deal with anyone and the patience of Job. It is often suggested or even requested that the PACS administrator have one skill set or the other — clinical, coming with a radiology technology background, or information systems, coming from the IS department. One thing is very clear: the PACS administrator must have a thorough understanding of the “working” clinical environment, or in other words, the sense of urgency.
Most of this is fairly obvious, except perhaps the need for project management expertise. A basic understanding of how to deploy anything involving the PACS will make the life of a PACS administrator easier and help ensure the successful launch of an upgrade or a whole new system. Radiology departments often begin a PACS procurement/upgrade using the same process as that for replacing an existing piece of imaging equipment. They then encounter difficulties for no apparent reason. Usually, this is an IS project with radiology or cardiology applications, and the IS people have very well defined methods of doing just about anything.
Its not necessary to have a certified network engineer as your PACS administrator, but the ability to understand what the engineers are saying without being intimidated is a big plus. The PACS administrator will get involved with the network, most often basic troubleshooting, and should give direction to the engineers as accurately as possible. This usually means the ability to go to the switch closet or a workstation and determine network viability.
The more thorough the understanding of DICOM and HL7, the better off the PACS administrator will be. Period. This cannot be stressed enough. Neither of these is a plug-and-play standard. Given the fact that these two standards are integral to the deployment of ANY diagnostic imaging network, the more the PACS administrator can learn about them, the more effective that person will be. The understanding of these standards is critical, as they pertain to the functionality of just about every single device on the network in both in imaging and IS. As the DICOM and HL7 standards continue to evolve, this understanding is going to become more complicated.
Every year, we see more effective use of these standards at the Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise (IHE) demonstrations at the RSNA and Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society meetings. It will be the responsibility of the PACS administrator to understand what is a DICOM function and what is not. It will also be the administrators responsibility to know what vendor can provide the functionality necessary for “your” network — where and when to print, where and when to store, store what?
Although almost everyone expects to be able to download patient demographics directly into an imaging device, this is not possible without the necessary DICOM 3.0 functionality in the “right” place at the right time. Imaging devices provide the ability to review their respective DICOM information files if they are configured properly by the vendor. The PACS administrator will need to know how to read these files from the devices in order to collaborate with IS in solving functional and integration issues.
Above all, the PACS administrator must know how the department works. This is where the administrator gets into solving everyday issues of what is wrong with this workstation and why arent the s matched with the reports? This everyday stuff, along with the necessary policies and procedures and “housekeeping” maintenance, frequently must be addressed. Often, just the housekeeping chores take the better part of a day. Fixing files and exams is a daily task: The patient ID does not match the file generated by the imaging device on a John or Jane Doe, or an exam from the new multislice CT is broken up into three exams — head, abdomen, pelvis. Are we having fun yet?
| 1 | Tell me how you organize, plan, and prioritize your work. |
|---|---|
| 3 | Share an experience in which a modification you made to a database benefited your company. How did you identify the need for modification? |
Here’s What a PACS Administrator Does – (Healthcare IT Jobs)
Above all, the PACS administrator must know how the department works. This is where the administrator gets into solving everyday issues of what is wrong with this workstation and why arent the s matched with the reports? This everyday stuff, along with the necessary policies and procedures and “housekeeping” maintenance, frequently must be addressed. Often, just the housekeeping chores take the better part of a day. Fixing files and exams is a daily task: The patient ID does not match the file generated by the imaging device on a John or Jane Doe, or an exam from the new multislice CT is broken up into three exams — head, abdomen, pelvis. Are we having fun yet?
Every year, we see more effective use of these standards at the Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise (IHE) demonstrations at the RSNA and Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society meetings. It will be the responsibility of the PACS administrator to understand what is a DICOM function and what is not. It will also be the administrators responsibility to know what vendor can provide the functionality necessary for “your” network — where and when to print, where and when to store, store what?
Probably the single most asked question in our PACS consulting services from clients is, “What are the requirements of a PACS administrator?” The next most frequently asked is, “Where can we find one?” These questions are then usually followed by, “What is the job description?” Having been involved in the deployment of PACS and various forms of diagnostic imaging networks since we started Merge Technologies, we have heard most of these concerns and worked to address and eliminate them.
Although almost everyone expects to be able to download patient demographics directly into an imaging device, this is not possible without the necessary DICOM 3.0 functionality in the “right” place at the right time. Imaging devices provide the ability to review their respective DICOM information files if they are configured properly by the vendor. The PACS administrator will need to know how to read these files from the devices in order to collaborate with IS in solving functional and integration issues.
The more thorough the understanding of DICOM and HL7, the better off the PACS administrator will be. Period. This cannot be stressed enough. Neither of these is a plug-and-play standard. Given the fact that these two standards are integral to the deployment of ANY diagnostic imaging network, the more the PACS administrator can learn about them, the more effective that person will be. The understanding of these standards is critical, as they pertain to the functionality of just about every single device on the network in both in imaging and IS. As the DICOM and HL7 standards continue to evolve, this understanding is going to become more complicated.
PACS Administrator Interview Questions and Answers
Are you familiar with the role of a PACS administrator?
This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have a basic understanding of what it means to be a PACS administrator. You can answer this question by briefly describing what a PACS administrator does and how their role benefits the healthcare facility.
Example: “A PACS administrator’s primary responsibility is managing the imaging system, which includes installing new software updates and ensuring all systems are functioning properly. They also manage the storage space for images and ensure that there is enough room to store them. In addition, they oversee the security of the system and make sure that only authorized personnel have access to it.”
What are some of the responsibilities of a PACS administrator?
This question can help the interviewer determine if your skills and experience match what they’re looking for in a candidate. Use this opportunity to highlight some of your strongest abilities that relate to their job description.
Example: “As a PACS administrator, I would be responsible for managing all aspects of the imaging system, including its hardware and software. This includes installing new equipment, troubleshooting issues with existing systems and ensuring compliance with any regulations or standards. In my previous role as a PACS administrator, I also helped train other staff members on how to use the system and maintained documentation of all procedures.”
How would you handle a situation where multiple departments are requesting access to the same imaging data?
This question can help interviewers assess your ability to prioritize tasks and manage workflow. Use examples from previous experience to highlight how you would handle this situation, as well as the steps you would take to ensure all departments receive access to their imaging data in a timely manner.
Example: “In my last role, I had multiple departments requesting access to the same imaging data at the same time. To prevent any delays in accessing the data, I created a system where each department was assigned a specific day of the week to request access to the imaging data. This allowed me to work with each department on an individual basis while still ensuring that everyone received access to their data within 24 hours.”
What is your experience with managing large amounts of data?
The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with managing large amounts of data and how you handle it. This can be an important skill for a PACS administrator, as they often need to manage large amounts of patient information. When answering this question, consider describing a time when you managed large amounts of data successfully.
Example: “In my previous role as a PACS administrator, I was responsible for managing the entire hospital’s imaging data. This included all of the images from CT scans, MRIs, X-rays and ultrasounds. It was essential that I could organize and store this data effectively so that doctors and nurses could access it quickly. To do this, I used a database system that allowed me to sort through the data by type or date.”
Provide an example of a time when you had to manage a difficult client or customer.
This question can help interviewers learn more about your customer service skills. They may want to know how you handled the situation and what you learned from it. Consider mentioning a time when you had to manage a difficult client or customer, but also highlight how you used your problem-solving skills to resolve the issue.
Example: “In my previous role as an administrator for a hospital’s PACS system, I worked with many different departments including radiology, cardiology and oncology. One day, one of the radiologists called me because they couldn’t access any patient records. After troubleshooting the issue, we discovered that the cardiologist was blocking access to all their patients’ files. We talked through the issue, and he explained that he needed to block access to some of his patients’ files so he could work on them without interruptions. He agreed to unblock those files once he finished working on them.”
If you had to choose one skill that is most important for a PACS administrator to have, what would it be?
This question is a great way to determine what skills you have that are relevant to the role. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about which skills you use most often in your current job and how they apply to the position.
Example: “The skill I find most important for a PACS administrator is problem-solving. In my experience as an imaging specialist, I’ve worked with many different types of equipment and software, so I’m used to troubleshooting issues. This skill has helped me work through problems quickly and efficiently, which is something I would like to continue doing in my career.”
What would you do if you noticed that a colleague was consistently making mistakes when accessing medical imaging data?
This question can help interviewers assess your ability to work with others and develop solutions to problems. Your answer should show that you are willing to offer constructive feedback to colleagues who need it.
Example: “I would first try to speak with my colleague in private about the issue. If I noticed they were making mistakes because of a lack of knowledge, I would offer to train them on how to access data properly. If I noticed they were making mistakes due to carelessness or negligence, I would talk to them about the importance of accuracy when working with medical imaging data. I would also document our conversation so that if there was another incident, we could take appropriate action.”
How well do you handle stress?
PACS administrators often work in high-pressure environments. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle the stress of the job and still perform well. In your answer, share a time when you were under pressure but still managed to do an excellent job.
Example: “I have worked as a PACS administrator for five years now. During that time, I’ve had to deal with many stressful situations. However, I always try my best to remain calm and focused on the task at hand. When I’m stressed, I take deep breaths and remind myself that I am prepared for whatever situation arises. This helps me stay calm and focus on what needs to be done.”
Do you have any experience working with medical imaging software?
This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with PACS software. If you have no prior experience, you can talk about any relevant work or volunteer experiences that helped you develop skills in this area.
Example: “I worked as a radiology technician for five years before I became an administrator. During my time there, I learned how to use several different types of medical imaging software, including PACS and DRG systems. This experience has given me valuable insight into what makes these programs effective and efficient.”
When accessing medical imaging data, what is the appropriate method for verifying the identity of the patient?
The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your knowledge of HIPAA regulations. As an administrator, it’s important that you understand the rules and procedures for handling patient data. In your answer, explain how you would ensure compliance with these regulations.
Example: “When accessing medical imaging data, I always verify the identity of the patient by comparing their name, date of birth and social security number against the information in the database. This is one way I can make sure that only authorized personnel have access to patients’ records.”
We want to improve our data security procedures. What methods would you use to ensure that our data is secure?
The interviewer may ask this question to assess your knowledge of data security and how you would implement it in their organization. Use examples from your experience to explain the steps you would take to ensure that patient information is secure.
Example: “I would first make sure all employees are aware of our security policies, including who has access to what areas of the system. I would also regularly update passwords to prevent unauthorized users from accessing the system. Finally, I would use encryption software to protect any sensitive information.”
Describe your experience working with large databases.
This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with a specific type of database. When answering, it can be helpful to mention any previous experience you have working with large databases and how you managed them.
Example: “In my last role as PACS administrator, I worked with a very large database that contained all of our radiology images. The size of this database was one of the reasons why we needed to upgrade our system. To manage this database, I used several different software programs to organize the data and keep track of what types of images were stored in each patient’s folder.”
What makes you stand out from other candidates for this position?
Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their team. When answering, it’s important to highlight the skills that make you a good fit for the role. You may also want to mention any personal qualities or experiences that relate to the job.
Example: “I have five years of experience working as an administrator in a hospital setting. I am familiar with the challenges of managing multiple projects at once while ensuring quality patient care. In my previous position, I was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the PACS system, including installation, maintenance and troubleshooting. This helped me develop valuable problem-solving skills that I would bring to this role.”
FAQ
What does a PACS administrator do?
What questions are asked in an admin interview?
- QUESTION: How do you handle stress?
- QUESTION: Why do you want to be an administrative assistant?
- QUESTION: What computer skills do you have?
- QUESTION: Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult client or customer.
- QUESTION: How do you stay organized?
- Get more answers.
How do I prepare for an admin interview?
- Research the company and the person/team you’re meeting with. …
- Understand the job description. …
- Have a good grasp of your relevant skills, experiences, and strengths. …
- Run-through some data-entry activities. …
- Expect to answer questions about…
