SOUTHBRIDGE, Mass. – Harrington has received accreditation by the American College of Radiology (ACR) for its breast ultrasound.
The Breast Ultrasound Accreditation Program provides facilities performing breast ultrasound and ultrasound-guided breast biopsies peer review and constructive feedback on staff qualifications, equipment, quality control, quality assurance, accuracy of needle placement and image quality.
“With this accreditation, we are on track to become a Center of Excellence in Breast Care, having achieved accreditation in mammography, breast MRI and breast ultrasound,” said Jess Calcidise, vice president for ancillary operations. “I am proud of our staff and the community should share in this excitement, knowing they are choosing the highest standard of care with Harrington.”
The ACR is the leader in quality assurance programs for diagnostic breast imaging. In order to meet accreditation, a facility must pass a rigorous set of standards, including having all board-certified radiologists read images. All of Harrington’s adult imaging studies are read by Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Many of the radiologists have an on-site presence in Southbridge.
In addition, to meet accreditation, all sonographers performing breast ultrasound must be registered with the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) and fulfill continuing education in breast ultrasound. All images approved by the ACR are reviewed by two radiologist reviewers for quality control, image quality and accuracy.
With this achievement, Harrington’s Southbridge campus is now on track to offer additional benefits, including a comprehensive assessment of the medical imaging facility, participation in the ACE National Mammography Database and recognition that extends locally and nationally. The ACR accreditation has a three-year status.
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