The JPS Health Network’s Echocardiography Laboratory has been re-certified by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission.
Dr. Paul Bhella, Staff Cardiologist and Director of Cardiac Imaging at JPS, said the designation by the IAC, an esteemed accreditation organization that evaluates a number of medical services across the United States and Canada, is proof of the excellence in patient care the laboratory offers.
“This is a big honor and it’s the third consecutive time that we’ve received it,” Bhella said of the re-certification which he noted lasts for three years. “Earning this accreditation is a testament to the hard work by folks like Carolyn Walsh, Danny Sheriff, Michael Dossey, Anne Goodrich, Kathleen Whelan, Wanda Peebles and our outstanding group of sonographers. This re-accreditation effort was led by Wendy Miller and our physicians.”
According to the IAC, in order to be re-certified, JPS had to go through an extensive application and review process. Following a detailed self-evaluation, the health network’s Echocardiography Laboratory’s procedures and staff were thoroughly examined by a panel of medical experts.
“This latest accreditation by IAC indicates that JPS Health Network, Cardiology demonstrates the facility’s on-going commitment to providing quality patient care,” IAC spokeswoman Tamara Slooper said in a release.
Echocardiography is an important tool used by physicians to detect heart damage and to create a plan to repair the problems. According to the IAC, to be ensured of an accurate diagnosis through echocardiography, sonographers must be highly skilled and experienced and they must have access to the proper equipment.
Bhella said the laboratory staff is proud of the accomplishment but has little time to celebrate.
“In a little over a year and a half, we will begin the process of reaccreditation,” Bhella said. But, fortunately, the core principles which helped us earn this accreditation three times are imbedded in the lab which makes the process much easier!”