Roper St. Francis Healthcare Breast Imaging Center Earns Top Accreditation

Roper facility only one of two sites in Lowcountry to hold gold standard honor

CHARLESTON, SC – November 7, 2011 – To a hospital system, the American College of Radiology’s (ACR) Gold Standard of Accreditation means imaging staff are providing excellent care to their patients with proven results. To a woman with a suspicious finding under her breast, ACR accreditation means an accurate diagnosis allowing for timely treatment.

Roper Hospital submitted clinical images and corresponding data for diagnostic breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations to be considered for accreditation. All personnel involved with the examination also were required to meet specific certification, education and experience requirements. In addition, there are detailed equipment requirements, as well as quality control and quality assurance criteria to earn ACR accreditation.

The ACR is the specialized expert and professional body over every aspect of imaging in the United States and is highly respected internationally, said Mike Ricciardone, Roper St. Francis Healthcare (RSFH) director of imaging. Achieving the specialty MRI Mammography accreditation demonstrates Roper radiologists’ unwavering commitment to patient quality and safety.  

Facilities accredited in breast MRI must have MRI biopsy capabilities or an off-site arrangement for such procedures. Women who have a suspicious finding under breast MRI must be able to get a biopsy based on the results of the examination that discovers the finding without having to travel to another center, which would likely require additional testing and fees.

The standards set by the American College of Radiology are very strict and require specific credentials by all involved personnel including the physicians and technologists, plus evaluation of the quality of the breast MRIs being performed, said Amy Bethea, MD, RSFH radiologist. Biopsy capability must be offered by the facility as well.  We are delighted to be able to provide this quality of service to the patients in our community.

At Roper Hospital, breast care diagnostic services include breast ultrasound and digital mammography. Diagnostic breast care is available all day, every day. 

For more information on ACR accreditation, go online to http://www.acr.org/accreditation.aspx.