(Birmingham, Alabama) — Urology Centers of Alabama (UCA) has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in computed tomography (CT) as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology® (ACR®). CT scanning — sometimes called CAT scanning — is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and tailor treatments for various medical conditions.

The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting specific requirements based on ACR Practice Parameters and Technical Standards 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 back to the facility and provides the practice with a comprehensive report that can be used for continuous practice improvement.

What does the ACR Accreditation gold seal mean for our Patients?

• UCA has met the high standards of the ACR for high standards for quality and safety in medical imaging/radiation oncology treatment.
• UCA has systems in place to help ensure appropriate dose levels are used for adult and pediatric imaging where appropriate.
• ACR is committed to making sure our accredited UCA facilities meet the standards in imaging and quality control set by radiologists and radiation oncologists across the country.
• UCA has undergone a rigorous review process which includes:
  • Equipment must be assessed annually by a medical imaging and radiation oncology expert who verifies that it functions properly, takes optimal images and utilizes appropriate radiation dose.
  • Personnel are required to meet ACR qualification standards to perform your procedure and interpret your medical images.
  • Physicians reading your study have systems in place to review each other’s work to ensure diagnostic accuracy.
  • ACR Accreditation programs are recognized by the FDA (mammography) and CMS (diagnostic MRI, CT and nuclear medicine imaging procedures).
  • The ACR performs site surveys to validate compliance with regulations and safety standards.
  • Program-specific educational tools are available to sites to support their commitment to ongoing quality improvement.

About the American College of Radiology

The American College of Radiology® (ACR®), founded in 1924, is a 42,000-member medical association that advances patient care, medical practice and collaborative results through advocacy, quality standards, research and education. The ACR is comprised of physicians, physicists and technology experts in radiology and radiation oncology, and is the oldest and most experienced imaging and radiation oncology accreditation body, with more than 30 years of experience in imaging and radiation oncology accreditation. For more information About ACR, visit www.acr.org.