Photo Caption: (L to R)  Amanda Santore, Technical Director of Vascular Lab; Wendy Fritz, Echo/Vascular Sonographer; Missy Watson, Technical Director of Echo Lab; Donna Jarrell, Director of Rehab Services; Dr. Bethany Denlinger, Cardiologist; Todd Howell, Vice President of Professional Services; Dr. Khalid Mojadidi, Cardiologist; Mike Simmons, Assistant Director of Rehab Services and Dr. Nimesh Patel, Cardiologist.

VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital Cardiovascular Diagnostic Services located in South Hill, VA has been granted an additional three-year term of accreditation by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) in Echocardiography in the area(s) of Adult Transthoracic and Adult Transesophageal. This latest accreditation awarded to VCU Health CMH Cardiovascular Diagnostic Services demonstrates the facility’s ongoing commitment to providing quality patient care in echocardiography.

Echocardiography is used to assess different areas of the heart and can detect heart disease or signs of serious cardiovascular conditions. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, followed closely by stroke as the fourth highest cause of death. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), more than 2,150 Americans die each day from cardiovascular disease which amounts to about one every 40 seconds.

There are many factors that contribute to an accurate diagnosis based on echocardiography. The training and experience of the sonographer performing the procedure, the type of equipment used and the quality assessment metrics each facility is required to measure, all contribute to a positive patient outcome. IAC accreditation is a “seal of approval” that patients can rely on as an indicator of consistent quality care and a dedication to continuous improvement.

Accreditation by the IAC means that VCU Health CMH Cardiovascular Diagnostic Services has undergone an intensive application and review process and is found to be compliance with the published Standards thus demonstrating a commitment to quality patient care in echocardiography. Comprised of a detailed self-evaluation followed by a thorough review by a panel of medical experts, the IAC accreditation process enables both the critical operational and technical components of the applicant facility to be assessed, including representative case studies and their corresponding final reports.

“This accreditation lets the public know that the cardiovascular diagnostic services offered at VCU Health CMH are top notch.  I am proud of our team and the job we do every day to help patients,” said Dr. Bethany Denlinger, Cardiologist and Echo Lab Medical Director.

The Echo Lab is located inside the hospital, to schedule an appointment call (434) 584-5205.

IAC provides accreditation programs for vascular testing, echocardiography, nuclear/PET, MRI, diagnostic CT, dental CT, carotid stenting, vein treatment and management and cardiac electrophysiology. The IAC programs for accreditation are dedicated to ensuring quality patient care and promoting health care and all support one common mission: Improving health care through accreditation®. IAC accreditation is widely respected in the medical community, as illustrated by the support of the national medical societies related to echocardiography, which include physicians and sonographers. To date, the IAC accrediting divisions have granted accreditation to more than 14,000 sites throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.