MPMC's Mammography Department Earns ACR Re-Accreditation
1/25/2012
MPMC'S Mammography Department
Earns ACR Re-Accreditation
The Mammography Department in the Digital Radiology and Cardiovascular Center at Maria Parham, a Duke LifePoint Hospital, has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in digital mammography as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Mammography is a specific type of imaging test that uses a low-dose x-ray system to examine breasts. A mammography exam, called a mammogram, is used to aid in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in women.
The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported to the ACR Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report they can use for continuous practice improvement.
Bonnie Howell, CRA, RT-R, Director of Diagnostic Imaging for the hospital, says, “Maria Parham is pleased to offer quality digital mammography exams to our community. Our equipment also allows needle localizations and upright stereotactic biopsy using digital technology.” Additionally, patients are benefiting by having to spend less time at the appointment. Howell continues, “Our screening patients are pleased with the in and out turn-around with no waiting for processing film.”
The ACR is a national professional organization serving more than 34,000 diagnostic/interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians, and medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services.
About Maria Parham Medical Center, A Duke LifePoint Hospital
Maria Parham Medical Center, located in Henderson, NC, is a regional hospital serving the people of north central North Carolina and Southside Virginia. As a Duke LifePoint Hospital, Maria Parham offers a combination of Duke University Health System’s unparalleled expertise in clinical excellence and quality care, and LifePoint Hospital’s extensive resources, knowledge and experience in operating community hospitals. Maria Parham offers a wide range of services and the latest technology to meet the healthcare needs of the community. It is fully accredited by The Joint Commission and CMS. For more information about Maria Parham Medical Center, please call (252) 436-1800 or visit www.mariaparham.com.