SCRMC Radiology Earns ACR Accreditation

South Central Regional Medical Center 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). Mammography is a specific type of imaging test that uses a low-dose 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.

Fred Vial, MD
Interventional Radiologist

Fred Vial, MD, Interventional Radiologist at SCRMC, stated, “This accreditation represents the dedication of our staff and the quality of care that patients will receive while at South Central. Our equipment and personnel go through a rigorous review process to ensure we meet nationally accepted standards of care.”

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 Parameters 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 that can be used for continuous practice improvement.

“When patients see the ACR gold seal at SCRMC, they can rest assured they are receiving imaging tests at a facility that has met the highest level of imaging quality and radiation safety,” said Dr. Vial. “Our entire team makes this designation of quality and excellence possible for our patients. We are excited to have received this prestigious recognition.”

Mammography, Breast MRI, MRI body, CT and CT/PET imaging are all ACR accredited at SCRMC.

The goal of the ACR is to improve, promote and protect the practice of radiology to ensure the quality and safety of patient care. ACR accreditation at a facility such as SCRMC demonstrates to referring physicians, patients, peers, regulatory agencies and payers the facility’s commitment to quality care. It also provides specific recommendations for improvement from experienced, practicing physicians and physicists

About South Central Regional Medical Center

South Central Regional Medical Center offers a wide array of diagnostic services for patients. During the 2023 fiscal year, the department provided nearly 80,000 diagnostic exams, which include Interventional Radiology, diagnostic imaging, mammography, nuclear medicine, ultrasonography, CT, MRI, fluoroscopy, and PET imaging.

As technology continues to evolve, our radiology department works to stay at the forefront of medical services. In the past year, we have added an additional Genius™ 3D Mammography™ system, an iPortable Digital Radiography system for long-term care residents, a C-Arm for surgical procedures, an Impact C Digital Radiology room, and a new Horizon® DXA system.

Due to an increased volume of patient care, SCRMC will add a PET imaging system to the health system in the coming year to complement our new Cancer and Infusion Center. Currently, mobile PET services have been provided for oncology care only, however in early 2024, SCRMC will expand care for cardiology and oncology PET services. The PET will be located within South Central and provide additional access for patients. This system will provide additional assistance to our medical providers for diagnosis and treatment planning.