MedWest-Harris receives gold standard echocardiography re-accreditation from Intersocietal Accreditation Commission

7/24/2012

MedWest-Harris receives gold standard echocardiography re-accreditation from Intersocietal Accreditation Commission

Sylva, N.C. – MedWest-Harris recently received re-accreditation for its echocardiography care from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission, a gold-standard accreditation that involved the hospital undergoing a thorough review of its operational and technical components by a panel of experts. 

The IAC accredits only facilities that provide quality patient care in compliance with national standards. The IAC accreditation involves a comprehensive application process and detailed case study review. Once granted, IAC accreditation is valid for three years, after which time the facility must undergo a repeat evaluation. 

MedWest-Harris offers echocardiograms, which are safe, non-invasive procedures that use high-frequency sound waves to examine the heart and potentially diagnose problems. Echocardiography is offered by MedWest-Harris as part of its comprehensive slate of cardiopulmonary services. 

MedWest-Harris’ healthcare team of physicians and others use echocardiography to look for abnormalities in the heart. Echocardiography provides early detection of life-threatening heart disorders and diseases. 

MedWest-Harris also now offers transesophageal echocardiogram, or TEE, tests, performed by Laura Verde, MD, partner of Earl Haddock, MD, FACC at Sylva Cardiology. A TEE is an ultrasound in which the heart is imaged from the back by way of an ultrasound probe the patient swallows. Among its benefits, TEE can rule out endocarditis and atrial clots, provide better imaging for prosthetic valves and evaluate suspected intracardiac masses. 

By participating in the IAC’s voluntary accreditation process, MedWest-Harris is demonstrating its commitment to performing high-quality echocardiography that meets nationally recognized standards.