The Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) has granted Mercy Health – Urbana Hospital a three-year term of accreditation in echocardiography.
Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death in the United States, and early detection of heart disorders is key to survival. For patients with specific symptoms or conditions, a doctor may order a specialized test called an echocardiogram, which can help diagnose life-threatening heart conditions. The test is complicated and requires excellent skill, equipment, interpretation and quality measures to ensure accuracy.
IAC accreditation indicates Mercy Health – Urbana Hospital has undergone an intensive application and review process, is compliant with published standards for echocardiography and has demonstrated a commitment to providing quality patient care. The accreditation includes a detailed self-evaluation followed by thorough review by a panel of medical experts to assess critical operational and technical components of the facility.
“We’re so proud to have received this accreditation from IAC,” said Lori Blanton-Baugh, director of cardiology for Mercy Health. “We strive to deliver high-quality heart care to our patients, and this accreditation demonstrates that our team of physicians and sonographers are committed to providing state-of-the-art testing to accurately diagnose their heart condition, which is an important step in developing their plan of care and achieving the best possible clinical outcomes.”
IAC is a nonprofit, nationally recognized accrediting organization, founded by medical professionals to advance appropriate use, standardization and quality of diagnostic imaging and intervention-based procedures. The IAC’s mission is to improve health care through accreditation, which serves as an indicator of consistent quality care and a dedication to continuous improvement. IAC accreditation is widely respected in the medical community, as illustrated by the support of the national medical societies related to echocardiography, which include physicians and sonographers.
For more information about heart health and the treatment options available, visit mercy.com.