February 22, 2005

 
For Immediate Release

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February 22, 2005

February 22, 2005

ICMH Mammography Receives Three-Year Accreditation

Ionia County Memorial Hospital has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in MAMMOGRAPHY as a result of a recent survey by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

The ACR awards accreditation to facilities for the achievement of high practice standards after a peer-review evaluation of the service. Evaluations are conducted by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. They assess the qualifications of the personnel, adequacy of equipment, quality and improvement activities. The surveyors report their findings to the ACR’s Committee on Accreditation, which provides a comprehensive report.

The ACR is a national organization serving more than 32,000 radiologists, radiation oncologists and medical physicists with programs focusing on medical imaging and radiation oncology.

"Our goal is to provide the highest possible level of patient care, and receiving ACR accreditation demonstrates to our community that we are doing all we can to detect and treat life-threatening diseases," said Ernest Heady, Radiology Manager. In addition to imaging services such as mammography and x-rays, Ionia County Memorial Hospital  offers nuclear medicine, ultrasound, spiral CT, bone density test, and MRI services.

The American College of Radiology Consultants suggests a yearly screening for women age 50 and older. For women aged 40 to 49 with asymmetric breasts, they suggest screening every one to two years. Anyone with breast pain, lumps, discharge or other concerns should see their medical provider as soon as possible.

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