The Houston Heart Institute at Houston Medical Center has been granted accreditation in the area of Echocardiography by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission.

Cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death in the United States. On average, one American dies every 39 seconds of cardiovascular disease - disorders of the heart and blood vessels. Early detection of life threatening heart disorders and other diseases is possible through the use of Echocardiography procedures performed within hospitals, outpatient centers and physicians’ offices. While these tests are helpful, there are many facets that contribute to an accurate diagnosis based on Echocardiography testing. The skill of the Echocardiography sonographer performing the examination, the type of equipment used, the background and knowledge of the interpreting physician and quality assurance measures are critical to quality patient testing. 

According to Dr. Madalyn Davidoff, HHI Medical Director of Non-Invasive Cardiology and member of the Houston Medical Center medical staff, Houston Medical Center is the only hospital in a 50 mile radius to have this designation by IAC. She states that although the accreditation process is very long, our patients deserve to know that we, as healthcare providers, are serving them with the best care possible when it comes to our facility, equipment, and the training of our sonographers and physicians. 

Accreditation by the IAC means that Houston Medical Center has undergone a thorough review of its operational and technical components by a panel of experts. The IAC grants accreditation only to those facilities that are found to be providing quality patient care, in compliance with national standards through a comprehensive application process including detailed case study review. Once granted, IAC accreditation is valid for a period of three years, after which time the facility must undergo a repeat evaluation. 

“Our staff has spent countless hours in preparation for this accreditation,” said Ray Jones, RN, Associate Director for Cardiovascular Services at Houston Healthcare. “Because of this work and our ongoing dedication to providing quality care, the community can be confident in the care they receive while they are in our facility. Our staff is well trained and very capable to handle their needs.”

IAC accreditation is a “seal of approval” that patients can rely on as an indication that the facility has been carefully critiqued on all aspects of its operations considered relevant by medical experts in the field of Echocardiography.