HURON — Huron Regional Medical Center (HRMC) has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in mammography as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR), according to Deb Rycraft, RT(R)(M), RDMS, RVT, director of medical imaging for HRMC.
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, according to Rycraft.
Mammography is a specific type of imaging test that uses a low-dose digital 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.
“Each year, HRMC’s mammography unit is inspected by the State of South Dakota and undergoes this ACR process every three years,” Ann Van Winkle RT(R)(M), mammography technologist at HRMC. “We appreciate participating in this process because we are committed to advanced learning, continuous improvement and the highest possible level of patient care.”
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 a comprehensive report HRMC can use for continuous practice improvement.
“Participating in this process is really just part of our goal of meeting and exceeding our customers’ expectations by providing accredited advanced breast imaging technology,” said Rycraft. “I am very proud of Ann and the mammography team for achieving this level of accreditation time and time again with no variances or issues.”
For more information about digital mammography or to schedule an appointment, visit www.huronregional.org/services or call 353-6246.
