LOUISVILLE, Ky. (June 18, 2012) — Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. On average, one American dies every 39 seconds of cardiovascular disease —disorders of the heart and blood vessels. Cardiology testing such as positron emission tomography (PET) scans, along with trained physicians and quality patient care, allow for early detection of these life-threatening disorders.
Norton Healthcare recently achieved national accreditation through the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission in all noninvasive cardiovascular diagnostic programs. This includes nuclear/positron emission tomography (PET) scans, echocardiography and noninvasive vascular testing. Norton Healthcare is the first hospital system in Louisville to be granted accreditation for all three noninvasive cardiovascular modalities.
In November 2011, the Norton Healthcare Cardiovascular Service Line Advisory Committee unanimously approved a proposal to seek systemwide accreditation for noninvasive cardiology diagnostic services. The process was directed by Steve Janto, director of noninvasive cardiology, and Jaime Warren, manager, Norton Cardiovascular Diagnostic Centers. The facilities underwent a thorough review of operational and technical components by a panel of experts in nuclear medicine. Accreditation is granted only to facilities providing quality patient care throughout a detailed case study review, which encompasses everything from department team members to physician participation. Nuclear cardiology services went through a strenuous evaluation to ensure quality and subsequently received full accreditation from the IAC.
“IAC accreditation assures patients and the medical community that the services offered by these Norton Healthcare facilities will always be of high quality,” said Steve Conway, system vice president, Cardiovascular Services, Norton Healthcare. “Nuclear and PET accreditation also is required by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Achieving accreditation for echocardiography and noninvasive vascular testing for both pediatric and adult patients ensures the utmost quality of care is provided at Norton Healthcare, using consistent and evidence-based best practice protocols to detect potentially life-threatening cardiovascular diseases that affect a large number in our community.”
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