The newest member of Humboldt General H ospital's radiology team has achieved the nation's highest certification in CT Scan.
    Radiologic technologist Billie Lucero achieved her advanced registry in Computed Tomography (CT Scan) after passing her final exam on Saturday, January 22. 
    This is the first advanced registry for Lucero, who began work in HGH's Radiology Department in July 2010. The technologist said she plans to seek certification in ultrasound next.
    "I want to keep learning and growing," she said. "This department thrives on education, in being the best we can be for our patients, and I want to be a contributing member of that kind of team."
    Radiology Manager Pam Wickkiser said she is extremely proud of Lucero for placing such a high priority on clinical excellence. 
    "Becoming registered in a modality is an incredibly rigorous, time-consuming process," she said. 
    "Billie has worked hard to pass this exam and we applaud her for her desire to provide the best possible care to the residents of this community."
    Wickkiser said each of her six technologists are registered in at least one modality; some have multiple registries. The entire group, including Lucero, also are have their national registries from 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," Wickkiser said, "and in order to demonstrate our commitment to the highest educational and ethical standards within our profession, this registry process is absolutely critical."
    On a local level, Wickkiser said registry also is 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 eight modalities including MRI, CT Scan, X-Ray, Vascular Ultrasound, Obstetrical Ultrasound, Cardiac Ultrasound, Mammography and Bone Densitometry.
    The third prong of the department's "promise to the community" is advanced technology. Over the past several years, Humboldt General Hospital has added or replaced six of its eight modalities, bringing the latest technology and diagnostic capabilities to Humboldt County.
    The remaining two modalities-mammogram and bone densitometry-also are in the process of being upgraded; Wickkiser expects to have those new units on site by this fall.
    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."
    She added, "As a team, our goal is to make sure that we provide Humboldt County with the finest imaging services possible." 
    For more information on Humboldt General Hospital's Radiology Department or to make an appointment, please call (775) 623-5222, ext. 133.