LeConte Medical Center has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in computed tomography (CT) as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). CT scanning — sometimes called CAT scanning — is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and tailor treatments for various medical conditions.
Phil Carney, Director of Imaging Services at LeConte Medical Center, attributes the success of their department to the team work exhibited by the employees, “This prestigious certification indicates the staff’s dedication to ensuring quality in every aspect of their work. We’re proud to be one of the few CT programs in our area to receive the ‘Image Gently’ status with our accreditation for our commitment to reducing radiation exposure on pediatric exams.”
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.
LeConte also has current ACR accreditations for Ultrasound, MRI, and Mammography.
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.
Count on LeConte! LeConte Medical Center opened in February 2010, and serves as a replacement hospital for Fort Sanders Sevier Medical Center. LeConte Medical Center is a member of Covenant Health. www.lecontemedicalcenter.org.
