Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). MRI is a noninvasive medical test that utilizes magnetic fields to produce anatomical images of internal body parts to help physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.

The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety and is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Parameters and Technical  Standards. Accreditation is awarded after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported to the ACR Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report that can be used for continuous practice improvement.

“Our team works diligently to always improve in any way we can. Receiving this accreditation serves as a testament to that hard work,” said Kansas Justice, PMC Chief Operating Officer. “Imaging plays a huge role in diagnosing patients quickly and accurately and allows for swift treatment. Having an accredited diagnostic center results in quality care for our patients.” PMC’s Diagnostic Imaging Services is equipped with the most advanced equipment and technology in the region. The PMC Diagnostic Center, located across the street from the main hospital, provides patients with high-quality imaging capabilities and convenient care. A few services offered include MRI, CT, PET scan, bone density scan, x-ray, fluoroscopy, nuclear medicine, ultrasound and more.

The ACR, founded in 1924, is a professional medical society dedicated to serving patients and society by empowering radiology professionals to advance the practice, science and professions of radiological care. The College serves more than 37,000 diagnostic/interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians, and medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services.