Every 39 seconds, an adult dies from a cardiovascular disease such as a heart attack or stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
But the use of echocardiography— a diagnostic test that uses ultrasound waves to create an image of the heart muscle—makes early detection of life threatening heart disorders and other diseases possible. The test may also show abnormalities such as poorly functioning heart valves or damage to the heart tissue.
Home to the Heart and Vascular Institute, St. Michael’s Medical Center (SMMC), Newark, has received three-year accreditation in echocardiography in the area of adult transthoracic from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC).
“This accreditation demonstrates that St. Michael’s Medical Center has met the rigorous requirements by the IAC in regard to all aspects of its operations considered relevant by medical experts in the field of echocardiography,” said David A. Ricci, president and CEO, SMMC.
IAC accreditation is widely respected within the medical community, as illustrated by the support of the national medical societies related to echocardiography, which include physicians and sonographers, and is required in some states and regions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and by some private insurers.
“There are many facets that contribute to an accurate diagnosis based on echocardiography testing,” said Dr. Irvin D. Goldfarb, FACC, medical director, Non- Invasive Cardiology, SMMC. “The skill of the echocardiography sonographer performing the examination, the type of equipment used, the background and knowledge of the interpreting physician and quality assurance measures are each critical to quality patient testing. Our accreditation by the IAC proves that we are meeting all standards for providing the most accurate diagnoses.”
Patients can learn more by visiting www.intersocietal.org/echo/main/patients.htm.
For physician referral or to schedule your echocardiography procedure, call The Heart and Vascular Institute at SMMC at 973-877-5300.
