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Atlanta, Ga. (July 26, 2012) – Six Piedmont Heart Institute outpatient centers were awarded a three-year Echocardiography accreditation in the area of Adult Transthoracic by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC). This accreditation is a “seal of approval” that patients can rely on as an indication that the facility has been carefully critiqued on all aspects of operations by medical experts in echochardiography.
“Early detection of life-threatening heart disorders and other diseases is made possible through the use of Echocardiography procedures, and it is important that our facilities attain accreditation in this area to give patients the highest quality of care,” said Charles Brown III, M.D., chief medical officer of Piedmont Heart Institute.
Piedmont Heart Institute outpatient centers recognized by the IAC include:
- Piedmont Heart Institute, Ultrasound-Austell
- Piedmont Heart Institute, Ultrasound-Eatonton
- Piedmont Heart Institute, Ultrasound-Blairsville
- Piedmont Heart Institute, Ultrasound-Douglasville
- Piedmont Heart Institute, Ultrasound-Dallas
- Piedmont Heart Institute, Ultrasound-Marietta
Many facets contribute to an accurate diagnosis based on Echocardiography testing including: the skill of the Echocardiography sonographer performing the examination; the type of equipment used; the background and knowledge of the interpreting physician; and the quality assurance measures used.
Widely respected within the medical community, IAC accreditation means these Piedmont Heart Institute centers have undergone a thorough review of its operational and technical components by a panel of experts. The IAC grants accreditation only to those facilities that are found to be providing quality patient care, in compliance with national standards through a comprehensive application process including detailed case study review.
Echocardiography accreditation is required in some states and regions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and by some private insurers. However, patients should remain vigilant in making sure that their Echocardiography procedures are performed within accredited facilities, because for many facilities, accreditation remains a voluntary process. When scheduled for an Echocardiography procedure, patients are encouraged to inquire as to the accreditation status of the facility where their examination will be performed.
To learn more or to locate an accredited facility, visit http://www.intersocietal.org/echo/main/patients.htm.
For more information about Piedmont Heart Institute, visit piedmontheart.org.
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