Imaging centers and hospitals are always vying for ACR (American College of Radiology) status—though it isn’t just to enhance their reputation. Every industry has its authority. Within the medical sector, these associations establish protocols and set industry standards.
Among the most highly-regarded agencies is the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) or merely the Joint Commission. It is responsible for conducting inspections of healthcare facilities and advises their ability to secure patient-recognized accreditation.
How Does Accreditation Occur?
Accreditation is not automatic—healthcare institutions must reach out to the appropriate parties to secure certification. Over time, they must prove that they consistently meet or exceed safety standards and qualify for other stringent criteria.
Beyond the Joint Commission’s seal of approval, the best of the best will go above and beyond to seek an endorsement from the ACR.
What is the American College of Radiation?
The ACR is a gold standard in medical imaging and communicates to patients an establishment’s commitment to paying agencies and referring physicians. This certification ensures new clients that a specific institution provides quality care and image production.
An ACR accreditation signifies that an imaging clinic can provide the best possible diagnosis and treatment in a safe environment. However, the distinction isn’t easy to come by.
In the United States, there are well over 100,000 diagnostic imaging facilities. Of these establishments, only roughly 38,000 hold ACR status. To put this statistic into perspective, note that the U.S. boasts the quickest-growing medical imaging industry in the world.
An existing MRI machine and open appointment slot don’t promise superior quality service.
Why ACR Accreditation Matters
ACR-accredited facilities can promise the following:
- That the center has voluntarily undergone multiple rigorous inspections and testing to reassure patients that they are providing the best possible care
- That the center’s personnel is qualified and licensed to operate MRI technology and other scanning equipment
- That the center’s equipment is of high quality and up to par with industry standards
How Facilities Get Accredited
When a facility undergoes inspection by an ACR representative, they are evaluated for:
- Personnel qualifications and licensing—the representative will look into administrative staff, supervising physicians, and technicians.
- Adequacy of facility equipment—the representative ensures that the equipment functions as it should and can deliver quality results.
- Image quality—the representative takes note of the clarity and detail of images taken with the existing MRI equipment based on patients’ submissions and material at the facility itself.
- Quality assurance programs and control procedures—the representative ensures that centers employ the appropriate quality control that prioritizes the patients’ safety and well-being.
Conclusion
Beyond ensuring that patients receive the high-quality imaging they deserve, ACR accreditation positively influences healthcare facilities by encouraging them to strive for excellence. ACR representatives don’t just grade an institution’s existing capabilities but also recommend actions for improvement areas.
To ensure that you retain or achieve ACR accreditation, shop only high-quality MRI and CT parts with DirectMed Parts. We also provide services such as repairs and maintenance that allow you to keep up with growing industry standards.
